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Dear readers, this message I preach to you about Reason To Forgive

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Mark 11:25
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Matthew 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Matthew 6:14-15
for if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Luke 6:37
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

Colossians 3:13
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Luke 6:27
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

Psalm 103:10-14
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. for as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. for he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

Luke 17:3-4
Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Matthew 6:14
for if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,

Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 17:9
Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

Psalm 32:5
I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

Luke 23:34
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Proverbs 28:13
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

Romans 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Daniel 9:9
To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him

Acts 3:19
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Matthew 26:28
for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

Matthew 5:23-24
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

1 John 1:9-10
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Colossians 1:13-14
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Psalm 86:5
for you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.

John 3:16
“for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Ecclesiastes 7:20
Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.

Acts 10:43
To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Hebrews 10:17
Then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”

Romans 12:20
To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Isaiah 43:25
“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.

Jeremiah 31:34
And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

Romans 6:23
for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 John 2:1
my little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

1 John 1:8
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Micah 7:18-19
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.

Micah 7:18
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.

Proverbs 25:21
If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,

Hebrews 8:12
for I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”

Matthew 5:44
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

James 5:14-15
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

1 John 2:2
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Isaiah 43:25-26
“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. Put me in remembrance; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right.

Acts 17:30
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,

Luke 23:33-34
And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Acts 7:59-60
And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 13:38-39
Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

Joel 2:13
And rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.

John 8:7
And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Psalm 130:4
But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.

1 John 2:12
I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.

Ephesians 2:8
for by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Jeremiah 3:12
Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, “‘Return, faithless Israel, declares the Lord. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the Lord; I will not be angry forever.

2 Chronicles 30:9
for if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your children will find compassion with their captors and return to this land. for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.”

Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

John 3:16-17
“for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. for God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Luke 17:3
Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,

Colossians 1:14
In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Acts 22:16
And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

Psalm 51:2-5
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! for I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Colossians 3:12-13
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Romans 12:17
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.

Micah 7:18-20
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.

2 Corinthians 2:5-8
Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. for such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.

Matthew 6:12-15
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. for if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

1 Kings 8:46-48
“If they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you are angry with them and give them to an enemy, so that they are carried away captive to the land of the enemy, far off or near, yet if they turn their heart in the land to which they have been carried captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captors, saying, ‘We have sinned and have acted perversely and wickedly,’ if they repent with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies, who carried them captive, and pray to you toward their land, which you gave to their fathers, the city that you have chosen, and the house that I have built for your name,

Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

Matthew 18:33-35
And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Matthew 7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

James 2:8
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.

Ephesians 4:26-27
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.

1 Kings 8:46-50
“If they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you are angry with them and give them to an enemy, so that they are carried away captive to the land of the enemy, far off or near, yet if they turn their heart in the land to which they have been carried captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captors, saying, ‘We have sinned and have acted perversely and wickedly,’ if they repent with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies, who carried them captive, and pray to you toward their land, which you gave to their fathers, the city that you have chosen, and the house that I have built for your name, then hear in heaven your dwelling place their prayer and their plea, and maintain their cause and forgive your people who have sinned against you, and all their transgressions that they have committed against you, and grant them compassion in the sight of those who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them

Nehemiah 9:31
Nevertheless, in your great mercies you did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.

Proverbs 28:9
If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

Psalm 38:3-4
There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. for my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.

Pastor Tolulope ilori
3406 Carriage Walk Court, Laurel -20724, Maryland USA
www.tolulopeilori.com

🌻 *OPEN HEAVENS* 🌻
*DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

_DATE: MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23RD 2024_

*THEME: HELPMEET INDEED? 1*

*MEMORISE:*
“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”
Genesis 2:18

*BIBLE READING: GENESIS 2:18-25*
18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

19 for I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;

21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.

23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?

25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

*MESSAGE:*
When God instituted marriage in Genesis 2, He made the woman to be the helpmeet for the man. In other words, the woman is to help the man in doing what God has called him to do. However, for one reason or the other, some women are not real helpmeets to their husbands, and this causes problems in their homes.

First, a woman cannot help her husband beyond her capacity to help. for example, if a husband is a businessman that earns millions, he should raise his wife to the level where she earns hundreds of thousands at least. At that level, she will probably understand his business more and help him better. However, if she is earning below that, when there is a need for her to help, she may be unable to do so significantly, even though she is willing to help. As a pastor, if you can pray for six hours at a stretch, train your wife to be able to pray for at least four hours. This way, the day you need prayers, she can stand in the gap for you at a reasonable level. If you cannot send your wife to preach on your behalf at a meeting that you are unable to attend, you have not been training her, and she has not developed what it takes to be your helpmeet (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

Your helpmeet is supposed to be there to lift you up when you are down. However, the strength of your helpmeet will determine how well they can lift you in your down seasons. As a husband, if something terrible happens and you fall, you will fall to the level of your wife. She can only catch you at the level at which she is standing financially, spiritually or otherwise. Therefore, if you don’t lift her to your level or at least close to your level, your fall will be great in such seasons because you will only be able to depend on her resources to stay afloat until you start rising again. As a husband, you should endeavour to empower your wife to become a helpmeet to you indeed.

*ACTION POINT:*
If you are a husband, start teaching you wife relevant things that will help her grow to a level where she can be a helpmeet to you indeed.

*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:*
Nahum 1-3

*AUTHOR:*
PASTOR E A ADEBOYE

*HYMNAL: 8 - I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR*
1 I need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior!
I come to Thee.

2 I need Thee every hour,
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their power
When Thou art nigh.

3 I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.

4 I need Thee every hour,
Teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfill.

5 I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed son.

ABUNDANT LIFE VISION
Love. Galatians 5:22-23
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23]gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! NLT.

Good morning dear friends, I welcome you to another teaching this morning titled; “Love”. I pray that we shall be like God in all of our actions in Jesus name. What is love? The simplest definition we can give it is that the best expression of love can be found in God for God is love. Thus, God and love are inseparable, if you see God, you see love. Love is who He is. 1 John 4:7-12: Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. [8]But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. [9]God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. [10]This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. [11]Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. [12]No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. NLT. John 3:16-17: “for this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [17]God sent his son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. NLT.

Love is an attribute that we know God. Now that we have established that God is love, we need to explain clearly how love works because no one has seen God before by examining how love manifests. It is a crucial point to examine because some things look like love but they are not love. 1 Corinthians 13:1-7: If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. [2]If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. [3]If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. [4]Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud [5]or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. [6]It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. [7]Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. NLT.
One can give his properties to the poor and such action in God’s eyes though an honourable act may not be an act of love if the doer lacks what the Bible listed from verse four to seven. Giving is not necessarily a gesture of love if the person lacks patience, kindness, among others. Are you boastful, jealous, rude, and irritable? If yes, you lack love. The love that comes from God is found in verse six to seven, it values justice and truth, never gives up, has faith, always hopeful and endures.

Therefore, on our own, we do not have the capacity to love like God but when we give our lives to Jesus, the Holy Spirit of God who is God is given to us and He empowers us to be perfect like God. One of the perfections in God the Holy Spirit empowers us with is love which is captured as the fruits of the Spirit. Gal 5:22-23. The major fruit is love, the presence of love produces other fruits listed in the scriptures. When we show the fruits of the Spirit, we are working in love and we become representatives of God. However, the first step is giving your life to Christ and if you are yet to do so, I urge you to do so now by saying this prayer wholeheartedly; Lord Jesus, I confess you as my Lord and saviour today, please save me and be my lord and bring me into your fold. Amen. If you have recited the prayer wholeheartedly, I congratulate you and I welcome you to the family of God. Make sure you join a bible believing church as you start your journey in Christ.

God bless you.

LION OF JUDAH RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION

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Dear readers, this message I preach to you about Your Children

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Proverbs 17:6
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.

Psalm 127:3-5
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:3
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Genesis 1:28
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

Isaiah 54:13
All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.

Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Mark 10:13-16
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Proverbs 1:8-9
Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.

3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Proverbs 20:11
Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.

Proverbs 13:24
Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

John 16:21
When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.

Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Romans 8:14
for all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Proverbs 29:17
Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.

Psalm 113:9
He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!

Mark 10:14
But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.

Psalm 8:2
Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.

Proverbs 29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

Deuteronomy 6:7
You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Proverbs 15:5
A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

John 1:12
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

2 Timothy 3:14-15
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 22:15
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

Matthew 21:15-16
But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the son of David!” they were indignant, and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?”

Ephesians 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Genesis 33:5
And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.”

Matthew 18:2-6
And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Mark 9:36-37
And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Romans 8:16
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Deuteronomy 11:19
You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

1 John 3:1
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Ephesians 5:1
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Hebrews 12:11
for the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Isaiah 49:15-16
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.

Matthew 19:13-15
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.

1 John 5:21
Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.

Deuteronomy 4:9
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children—

John 3:16
“for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Hebrews 12:9-11
Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? for they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. for the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Acts 16:31
And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Romans 8:19
for the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.

Romans 8:15
for you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

Matthew 18:1-3
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Galatians 3:26-27
for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. for as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

1 John 3:2-3
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

Mark 9:37
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

1 Peter 2:2-3
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Jeremiah 29:11
for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Psalm 139:13-16
for you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. my frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Luke 18:15-17
Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Luke 17:2
It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.

Exodus 20:5-6
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Deuteronomy 4:40
Therefore you shall keep his statutes and his commandments, which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for all time.”

Psalm 128:3
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.

Galatians 3:26
for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.

Mark 10:15
Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Deuteronomy 5:29
Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever!

Proverbs 6:20
my son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching.

Matthew 19:13-14
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Leviticus 19:3
Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and you shall keep my Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God.

1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Luke 18:16
But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 5:8
for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Proverbs 23:13-14
Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.

Psalm 127:1-5
A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Genesis 18:19
for I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.”

Proverbs 1:8
Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching,

Psalm 139:13
for you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

Luke 2:52
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

John 3:16-17
“for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. for God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

2 Timothy 1:5
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

John 3:2-3
This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 18:12-14
What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Isaiah 38:19
The living, the living, he thanks you, as I do this day; the father makes known to the children your faithfulness.

2 Chronicles 34:1-3
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father; and he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. for in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father, and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and the metal images.

Proverbs 10:1
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

James 1:27
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

1 Corinthians 14:20
Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.

Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Pastor Tolulope ilori
3406 Carriage Walk Court, Laurel -20724, Maryland USA
www.tolulopeilori.com

LION OF JUDAH RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION

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Dear readers, this message I preach to you about
Language

Zephaniah 3:9
“for at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord.

1 Corinthians 14:9
So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? for you will be speaking into the air.

Revelation 7:9-10
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Exodus 4:10-12
But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”

Isaiah 50:4
The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

Deuteronomy 28:49
The Lord will bring a nation against you from far away, from the end of the earth, swooping down like the eagle, a nation whose language you do not understand,

Psalm 19:1-4
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,

1 Corinthians 14:10
There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning,

1 Corinthians 14:27-28
If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.

Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Genesis 11:6
And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.

Isaiah 28:11
for by people of strange lips and with a foreign tongue the Lord will speak to this people,

Acts 2:8
And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?

Jeremiah 5:15
Behold, I am bringing against you a nation from afar, O house of Israel, declares the Lord. It is an enduring nation; it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language you do not know, nor can you understand what they say.

Acts 22:2
And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:

1 Corinthians 14:22
Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.

Nehemiah 13:24
And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and they could not speak the language of Judah, but only the language of each people.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Genesis 10:5
From these the coastland peoples spread in their lands, each with his own language, by their clans, in their nations.

Revelation 5:9
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,

Psalm 114:1
When Israel went out from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language,

Revelation 7:9
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,

Acts 2:6
And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.

Colossians 4:3-4
At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

1 Corinthians 12:10
To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

Genesis 11:7
Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.”

Acts 2:8-11
And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit,

Daniel 1:4
Youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.

Genesis 11:1
Now the whole earth had one language and the same words.

Psalm 81:5
He made it a decree in Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt. I hear a language I had not known:

Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:8
But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Genesis 11:9
Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth.

Mark 16:17
And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

Acts 10:46
for they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,

John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Ephesians 5:4
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

1 Corinthians 14:11
But if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me.

1 Corinthians 13:1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

2 Kings 18:26
Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it. Do not speak to us in the language of Judah within the hearing of the people who are on the wall.”

Revelation 14:6
Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.

2 Timothy 2:16
But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,

Colossians 4:3
At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—

Isaiah 66:18
“for I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory,

Psalm 19:3
There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.

Acts 19:6
And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.

Daniel 2:4
Then the Chaldeans said to the king in Aramaic, “O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation.”

Proverbs 21:23
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Proverbs 15:4
A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Genesis 10:31
These are the sons of Shem, by their clans, their languages, their lands, and their nations.

Matthew 26:73
After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.”

Matthew 5:37
Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Ezra 4:7
In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam and Mithredath and Tabeel and the rest of their associates wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia. The letter was written in Aramaic and translated.

Genesis 10:20
These are the sons of Ham, by their clans, their languages, their lands, and their nations.

James 3:10
From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. my brothers, these things ought not to be so.

James 1:19
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

1 Corinthians 14:6
Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

1 Corinthians 13:8
Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

Acts 14:11
And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”

Acts 2:10
Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome,

Acts 2:9-11
Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

Acts 2:7
And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?

John 19:20
Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek.

Luke 23:38
There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

Luke 6:45
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Matthew 12:36
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,

Isaiah 33:19
You will see no more the insolent people, the people of an obscure speech that you cannot comprehend, stammering in a tongue that you cannot understand.

Psalm 141:3
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

Judges 12:6
They said to him, “Then say Shibboleth,” and he said, “Sibboleth,” for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell.

Exodus 20:7
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

James 3:6-8
And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. for every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:5-6
So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

1 Corinthians 14:22-23
Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?

1 Corinthians 14:18-19
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

1 Corinthians 1:5
That in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—

Acts 26:14
And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

Matthew 12:36-37
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Jeremiah 29:11
for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 19:18
In that day there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the Lord of hosts. One of these will be called the City of Destruction.

Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man's mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.

Pastor Tolulope ilori
3406 Carriage Walk Court, Laurel -20724, Maryland USA
www.tolulopeilori.com

LION OF JUDAH RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION

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Dear readers, this message I preach to you about Prosperity

Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Deuteronomy 8:18
You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

Jeremiah 29:11
for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

3 John 1:2
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

Malachi 3:10
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. for with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Proverbs 28:25
A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.

Psalm 128:2
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

1 Kings 2:3
And keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,

2 Corinthians 8:9
for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

Proverbs 3:9-10
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Nehemiah 2:20
Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.”

Zechariah 9:12
Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.

Job 22:23-27
If you return to the Almighty you will be built up; if you remove injustice far from your tents, if you lay gold in the dust, and gold of Ophir among the stones of the torrent-bed, then the Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver. for then you will delight yourself in the Almighty and lift up your face to God. You will make your prayer to him, and he will hear you, and you will pay your vows.

Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 35:27
Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!”

Psalm 84:11
for the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Job 36:11
If they listen and serve him, they complete their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasantness.

Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

Isaiah 1:19
If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;

2 Chronicles 20:20
And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.”

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Proverbs 11:25
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Jeremiah 29:11-14
for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

Ecclesiastes 7:14
In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.

Psalm 1:3
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

2 Chronicles 31:21
And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered.

Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Proverbs 22:4
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.

2 Chronicles 26:5
He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper.

Psalm 24:1
A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,

Psalm 23:1
A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Jeremiah 17:10
“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”

Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.

Psalm 68:6
God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

Proverbs 28:13
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

Isaiah 48:17
Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go.

Psalm 118:25
Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success!

Deuteronomy 15:10
You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.

Proverbs 22:7
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

Genesis 33:11
Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” Thus he urged him, and he took it.

Luke 12:15
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Psalm 40:17
As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!

1 Chronicles 4:10
Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.

Psalm 128:1
A Song of Ascents. Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!

Proverbs 15:15
All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.

Psalm 127:1
A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”

Isaiah 60:5
Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.

John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Hosea 13:6
But when they had grazed, they became full, they were filled, and their heart was lifted up; therefore they forgot me.

Proverbs 28:8
Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.

2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,

James 1:4
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Psalm 39:7
“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? my hope is in you.

1 Peter 1:7
So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Hosea 4:7
The more they increased, the more they sinned against me; I will change their glory into shame.

Psalm 9:18
for the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Ecclesiastes 5:19
Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.

Matthew 25:15
To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.

Proverbs 30:8-9
Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.

Psalm 34:8-10
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Nehemiah 1:11
O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king.

Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Romans 8:11
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.

Ecclesiastes 10:19
Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything.

Ephesians 6:13
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Colossians 3:13
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Psalm 118:1
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Job 12:5
In the thought of one who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune; it is ready for those whose feet slip.

Psalm 68:19
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah

Psalm 37:18-19
The Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever; they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Mark 10:29-30
Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.

Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

Psalm 112:1-3
Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.

Romans 8:32
He who did not spare his own son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Proverbs 16:3
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Proverbs 28:27
Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

Matthew 25:26-30
But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. for to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

1 Samuel 2:8
He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and on them he has set the world.

Genesis 13:2
Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.

Genesis 12:2-3
And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Genesis 49:24-26
Yet his bow remained unmoved; his arms were made agile by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel), by the God of your father who will help you, by the Almighty who will bless you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that crouches beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. The blessings of your father are mighty beyond the blessings of my parents, up to the bounties of the everlasting hills. May they be on the head of Joseph, and on the brow of him who was set apart from his brothers.

Psalm 37:7
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Deuteronomy 28:12
The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.

Pastor Tolulope ilori
3406 Carriage Walk Court, Laurel -20724, Maryland USA
www.tolulopeilori.com

Assalaam Alaekum wa Rrahmatullah wa Barakatuh

*The Significance and Virtues of Trials in Islam*

*1. Trials are a Test of Faith*
Trials and tribulations are a way for Allah to test the faith and devotion of believers. The Quran states:
"Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, 'We believe' and will not be tested? We have certainly tested those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars." (Quran 29:2-3)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The example of the greatest trial is like the example of a hair which is split into half." (Tirmidhi)

*2. Trials Purify the Soul*
Trials and tribulations serve as a means of purification for the believer's soul. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that." (Bukhari)
The Quran states: "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient." (Quran 2:155)

*3. Trials Increase One's Rank*
Enduring trials and tribulations with patience and steadfastness increases one's rank and status with Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The example of the greatest trial is like the example of a hair which is split into half." (Tirmidhi)
The Quran states: "Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast?" (Quran 3:142)

*4. Trials are a Sign of Allah's Love**
Trials and tribulations are a sign of Allah's love for His servants. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "When Allah loves a people, He tests them. Whoever accepts it has the pleasure of Allah's pleasure, and whoever is discontent with it has the wrath of Allah's wrath." (Tirmidhi)
The Quran states: "Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account." (Quran 39:10)

*5. Trials Bring About Ease*
After every trial and tribulation, Allah brings about ease and relief. The Quran states: "for indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease." (Quran 94:5-6)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "No one is afflicted with distress and grief, and says this supplication, but Allah will grant him relief from it: 'O Allah, I am Your servant, son of Your servant, son of Your maidservant; my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I call upon You by every one of Your names whereby You have named Yourself, or which You have revealed in Your Book, or which You have taught any of Your creation, or which You have preserved in the knowledge of the unseen with You, that You make the Qur'an the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety.'" (Ahmad)
In conclusion, trials and tribulations in Islam are a means of purification, increasing one's rank, and a sign of Allah's love. They are a test of faith, and with patience and steadfastness, they lead to ease and relief. The believer should face trials with resilience, knowing that Allah will reward them for their perseverance.

We pray Allah continue to guard and guide us aright, Increase us in Provisions and Sustenance and enable us become better Muslims, Better Nigerians.

Aameen and Aameen

Happy Jumaat, Happy Weekend

LION OF JUDAH RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION

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Dear readers, this message I preach to you about Excel

2 Corinthians 8:7
But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

John 8:58
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Proverbs 31:29
“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

1 John 2:2
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 Corinthians 14:12
So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

John 10:28
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

Matthew 24:36
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the son, but the Father only.

Psalm 103:20
Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!

Leviticus 18:22
You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his son cleanses us from all sin.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Hebrews 11:5
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.

Hebrews 10:16-19
“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,

Titus 3:5
He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

1 Timothy 5:21
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.

Philippians 2:16
Holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Ephesians 2:20
Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,

1 Corinthians 15:44
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 14:39
So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

1 Corinthians 11:10
That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.

1 Corinthians 11:5
But every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

1 Corinthians 4:9
for I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15
for no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

John 3:3
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 1:29
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Jonah 2:8
Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.

Deuteronomy 4:2
You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.

Revelation 20:12-14
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.

1 John 5:19
We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

2 Peter 3:15-16
And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.

2 Peter 1:11
for in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:10-11
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 3:21
Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

1 Peter 3:1
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,

Hebrews 9:22
Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

Hebrews 9:14
How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Hebrews 9:4
Having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.

Hebrews 5:8
Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.

Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Hebrews 1:9
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

Hebrews 1:8
But of the son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.

Hebrews 1:1
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,

Titus 3:9
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

Titus 2:11
for the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,

Titus 2:9
Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,

Titus 1:12-13
One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

Titus 1:1
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,

2 Timothy 4:8
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

2 Timothy 3:5
Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

2 Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,

1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,”

1 Timothy 4:10
for to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

1 Timothy 3:16
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

1 Timothy 2:12
I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.

1 Timothy 2:11
Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.

1 Timothy 2:7
for this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

1 Timothy 2:4-6
Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. for there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

1 Timothy 1:17
To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 1:4
Nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.

1 Timothy 1:3
As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine,

1 Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

2 Thessalonians 1:8
In flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

2 Thessalonians 1:1
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

1 Thessalonians 5:23
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from every form of evil.

Colossians 2:11-13
In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,

Colossians 2:11-12
In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Colossians 1:20
And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Colossians 1:3
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

Colossians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Philippians 3:21
Who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Philippians 3:15
Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.

Philippians 2:7-8
But emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Ephesians 6:5-8
Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.

Ephesians 5:26
That he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

Ephesians 4:24
And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22
To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,

Ephesians 4:5
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Ephesians 1:17
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,

Ephesians 1:14
Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

Ephesians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

Galatians 5:2-3
Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law.

Pastor Tolulope ilori
3406 Carriage Walk Court, Laurel -20724, Maryland USA
www.tolulopeilori.com

Do not cease being repentant to Allah
By Abu Khadeejah
https://abukhadeejah.com/do-not-cease-being-repentant-to-allaah/

All Praise is due to Allāh, we praise Him, seek His aid and His Forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allāh from the evils of our souls and the evils of our actions. Whomsoever Allāh guides there is none to misguide and whomsoever Allāh misguides there is none to guide. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, alone, without any partners and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.

To proceed,

“O you who believe, fear Allāh as He should be feared, and die not except as Muslims.” (3:102)

“O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you.” (4:1)

“O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allāh and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allāh and His Messenger he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e. he will be saved from the Hell-fire and made to enter Paradise).”(33:70-71)

To proceed,

The truest speech is the Book of Allāh, and the best way is the way of Muhammad (ﷺ). The worst of affairs are the newly invented matters, every newly invented matter is an innovation, every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Fire. To proceed,

my brothers and sisters, there’s a hadeeth qudsi collected by Imaam at-Tirmidhi (rahimahullaah) in which Allaah’s Messenger (ﷺ) mentions from Allaah (subhana wa ta’ala) some tremendous words that give hope to the hearts and raise the spirits of a person as it relates to its connection with Allaah (subhana wa ta’ala). Allaah said “O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it.” In that there is courage for the hearts and it puts into the souls a desire to turn to Allah and never give up hope, for indeed the believer does not give up hope in Allaah.

The point is, upon us is to be constant in istighfar (seeking forgiveness). As long as you are seeking forgiveness from Allaah, sincerely saying Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah), allaahummaghfirli (O Allaah! Forgive me) and so on, Allaah does not punish. Allaah mentions in the Qur’aan “And Allaah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness.” (8:33) – that’s why our tongues should be moist with the remembrance of Allaah by praising and glorifying Him, and seeking His mercy, His forgiveness and His guidance. Were you to meet Allaah with an earth full of sins but you haven’t committed shirk at all, then Allaah would come to you with forgiveness as great as it (the earth). The Prophets and Messengers themselves were constant in seeking forgiveness. Imagine the individuals whose sins are already forgiven and their place in Jannah is assured for them yet seek forgiveness from Allaah (subhana wa ta’ala) constantly. Musa (alaihis’sallam) said to Allaah, “my Lord, indeed I have transgressed myself so forgive me.” Whereas the Prophet (ﷺ), Allaah commanded him to say “And seek forgiveness for your sins O Muhammad and for the believing men and women.”

Seeking forgiveness is something to which we don’t give the attention it deserves. Allaah has forbidden us from becoming from those individuals who despair of the mercy of Allaah and there is not a crime that Allaah will not forgive except one if you die upon it and Allaah says in the Qur’aan[b] “Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases.”[/b] (4:48) – so any crime lesser than Shirk, Allaah (subhaana wa ta’ala) will forgive as long as you seek forgiveness, turn to Him and you are penitent. Like the Prophet or early Salaf used to say “tawbah is regret” meaning that tawbah is to feel regret, feeling regretful of the things you did and every time you disobeyed Allaah. This regret leads to the path of tawbah and when it is said regret is tawbah, it means the greatest portion of turning to Allaah in repentance is regret, knowing that you did something wrong and then you turn to Allaah and Allaah says in the Qur’aan “Say: “O ‘Ibaadi (my slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (39:53)

Shaykh Abdul-‘Aziz ibn Baaz (rahimahullah) said: “The scholars have agreed that this noble ayah was revealed regarding the ones who repented.” So whosoever repented, with a sincere and truthful tawbah then Allaah will forgive all of his sins due to this ayah, likewise where Allaah mentions “O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will remit from you your sins and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise)” (66:8] Your Lord is oft forgiving Most Merciful. So, turn to Him which requires you make dhikr of Him. How can you seek forgiveness and become repentant with regard to your shortcomings and your acts of disobedience except by making dhikr of Allaah (mentioning Him). The more you mention Him the closer you get to Him and the closer you get to Allaah the further He will take you away from that which will cause you destruction by sinning and transgression. Be constant in dhikr and seeking forgiveness and do not despair at the mercy of Allaah because our Lord is forgiving, merciful and He will continue to forgive you as long as you turn to Him upon tawheed.

Continued:
So Shaykh Abdul-aziz Ibn Baaz (rahimahullah) said: “When one ponders over the ayah “O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will remit from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise)” (66: 8] We see that the reward of sincere and truthful repentance is not simply the sin being wiped away rather there is an additional reward (Paradise).”

This tawbah includes:
First and foremost, leaving the sin. When you realise that you are guilty of doing an action knowing it to be haraam (forbidden), you must leave it, stop doing it.

Secondly: you should feel regret because you have disobeyed your Lord and committed a sin.

Thirdly: seek forgiveness from Allaah (subhaana wa ta’aala).

Fourthly: resolve never to return back to the sin.

Fifthly: if you have taken someone’s right (property or honour), you must return it or recompense it.

The difference between tawbah (repentance) and istighfar (seeking forgiveness):

Shaykh-ul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said (in meaning): Istighfaar is when a person commits a sin and says: O Allaah forgive me. In this he may not resolve to stop the sin but still asks Allaah for forgiveness, sincerely. In this situation, is the person forgiven? There is no doubt that there is no barrier between a person seeking Allaah’s forgiveness and Allaah forgiving him. But it does not necessitate that he has entered into the arena of repentance because repentance and forgiveness are two things. Forgiveness enters into repentance because one of the stages of repentance is seeking forgiveness. But repentance is higher and more complete.

And Allaah says: “And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.” (24:31). Shaykh Abdul-aziz ibn Baaz says about this Aayah: “In this ayah, Allaah has connected success with tawbah.” So, the one that has repented is successful and happy, follows-up his tawbah with eemaan and righteousness, changing his life in order to not fall back on the sins he repented from.

Allaah says “And those who invoke not any other ilaah (god) along with Allah, nor kill such life as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse and whoever does this shall receive the punishment. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace. Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds, for those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ” (25:68-70)

So we call upon Allaah, by making dhikr of Him as Allaah mentions “Call upon Me, I will answer you” (40:60)

and “And when my slaves ask you (O Muhammad SAW) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by my Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor).” (2:186)

When you call upon Allaah, He responds to your call. This is from the means that Allaah has given us of getting close to Allaah, earning His forgiveness attaining His mercy. Those who truly seek forgiveness, do not despair even if your sins were to reach the sky and you were to turn to Allaah, asking for His mercy, He would forgive you. Even if you sin again, turn to Him alone and never lose that connection with Allaah – pray five times a day, worship Him. The Prophet (ﷺ) said about the salaah, “Do you think that if there was a river by the door of one of you, and he bathed in it five times each day that there would remain any filth on him?” They said: “No filth would stay on him.” He said: “That is the parable of the five prayers, Allah wipes out the sins with them.” (Narrated by Abu Hurairah, Jamee at-Tirmidhi Vol. 5, Book 42, Hadith 2868)

Salaah is a cleanser and protection for a Muslim. It is protection because when he prays he thinks how he will face his Lord when he’s committed a sin. Prayer forbids from Munkar, Fahshaa (lewd acts), sins and transgression because salaah is the connection between you and your Lord. If you break this connection then all of the connections of Islaam are lost. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The covenant that distinguishes between us and them is prayer; so whoever leaves it, he has committed Kufr.’” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, Book 5, Hadith 1079)

my brothers and sisters, Ramadhaan may have come to an end but your salaah and ibaadah doesn’t come to an end. It’s like saying ‘when such and such months ends, I’ll stop breathing’. You can’t stop your ibaadah now that Ramadhaan has ended – because ibaadah runs through the veins of the Muslim. If we are not making ibaadah, we don’t feel comfortable rather we feel agitated, depressed and sad because ibaadah awakens the souls. Turn to Allaah, do not become negligent and encourage your family and neighbours, most importantly be upright yourselves.

BaarakaAllaahu Feekum, We ask Allaah to grant us success to worship Him, and obey Him as He deserves – we ask Him to forgive us and show us His mercy and enter us in to the eternal Gardens of Paradise and protect us from His punishment. And all praise is due to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds.

Transcribed by:

Umm Sufyaan al Albaaniyah, may Allaah reward her.

LION OF JUDAH RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION

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Dear readers, this message I preach to you about Elevation

James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Isaiah 40:22
It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;

Genesis 2:7
Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

Luke 18:10
“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

Matthew 5:17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Acts 1:3
He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

1 Peter 3:4
But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

Romans 13:1
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Isaiah 14:12
“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!

Psalm 20:4
May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!

Job 36:27-28
for he draws up the drops of water; they distill his mist in rain, which the skies pour down and drop on mankind abundantly.

Job 26:7
He stretches out the north over the void and hangs the earth on nothing.

Psalm 75:7
But it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.

Hebrews 11:12
Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.

Psalm 93:1
The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.

Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Job 38:16
“Have you entered into the springs of the sea, or walked in the recesses of the deep?

2 Samuel 9:3-5
And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.” Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.

Hebrews 9:27
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

1 Corinthians 15:6
Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.

John 3:16
“for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Psalm 75:6
for not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,

Genesis 3:21
And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.

Revelation 7:1
After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree.

James 1:9
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

1 Timothy 3:2
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Acts 17:26
And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,

Isaiah 45:18
for thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): “I am the Lord, and there is no other.

Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Psalm 75:6-7
for not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.

1 Chronicles 16:30
Tremble before him, all the earth; yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.

Genesis 1:2
The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Proverbs 16:1
The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

John 3:16-17
“for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. for God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Ezekiel 41:8
I saw also that the temple had a raised platform all around; the foundations of the side chambers measured a full reed of six long cubits.

Psalm 48:2
Beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.

1 Kings 4:11
Ben-abinadab, in all Naphath-dor (he had Taphath the daughter of Solomon as his wife);

2 Samuel 22:16
Then the channels of the sea were seen; the foundations of the world were laid bare, at the rebuke of the Lord, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

Genesis 2:17
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Genesis 1:24
And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Ephesians 2:8-9
for by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:6
And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Acts 17:11
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Luke 16:13
No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Micah 5:2
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

Genesis 2:5
When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground,

Pastor Tolulope ilori
3406 Carriage Walk Court, Laurel -20724, Maryland USA
www.tolulopeilori.com

LION OF JUDAH RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION

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Dear readers, this message I preach to you about Doing The Right Thing.

James 4:17
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.

Proverbs 21:3
To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Matthew 5:10-12
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Romans 7:15
for I do not understand my own actions. for I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.

Proverbs 31:8-9
Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

2 Chronicles 15:7
But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”

Matthew 6:25
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Romans 2:6-8
He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.

Luke 16:13
No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

1 John 3:7
Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.

Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

John 14:23
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Psalm 27:3
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

1 Corinthians 6:12
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

1 Corinthians 11:1-2
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Galatians 5:13-16
for you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. for the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Deuteronomy 6:18
And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may go well with you, and that you may go in and take possession of the good land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers

Jeremiah 8:6
I have paid attention and listened, but they have not spoken rightly; no man relents of his evil, saying, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone turns to his own course, like a horse plunging headlong into battle.

Hebrews 10:26
for if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

John 14:21
Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

2 Thessalonians 3:13
As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

Romans 1:16-17
for I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. for in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Ephesians 2:8-10
for by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Ephesians 2:10
for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Matthew 7:12
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Deuteronomy 31:8
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Romans 7:19
for I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.

James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

John 3:16-17
“for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. for God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Matthew 6:9-13
pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

1 John 3:17
But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Hebrews 13:16
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:15
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Genesis 18:25
Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”

Genesis 4:7
If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

John 6:67-71
So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.

Job 42:7
After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “my anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.

Deuteronomy 12:28
Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.

Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

2 Corinthians 13:7
But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11
To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.

Matthew 5:22-24
But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Romans 12:17-20
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

1 Corinthians 10:31
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Psalm 23:1-3
A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

James 1:20
for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Romans 12:1
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Matthew 9:6-8
But that you may know that the son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Jeremiah 7:3
Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Revelation 15:3
And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!

2 Timothy 1:7
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Romans 13:10
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

James 2:18
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

1 Timothy 6:8
But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

2 Corinthians 5:21
for our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Romans 12:11
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:8
And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:

Luke 1:37
for nothing will be impossible with God.”

Job 37:23
The Almighty—we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate.

Revelation 15:4
Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? for you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

Revelation 2:4
But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.

1 Corinthians 10:15-17
I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

Luke 1:47-49
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. for behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

1 Timothy 1:7
Desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

Micah 2:7
Should this be said, O house of Jacob? Has the Lord grown impatient? Are these his deeds? Do not my words do good to him who walks uprightly?

James 1:27
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

2 Corinthians 7:1
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

Acts 24:25
And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.”

Pastor Tolulope ilori
3406 Carriage Walk Court, Laurel - 20724, Maryland USA
www.tolulopeilori.com

LION OF JUDAH RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION

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Dear readers, this message I preach to you about Making Choices

Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter by the narrow gate. for the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. for the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Proverbs 16:9
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Isaiah 30:21
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Joshua 24:15
And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. for God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. for the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Deuteronomy 30:19
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Matthew 6:1
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

Deuteronomy 30:9-10
The Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground. for the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your fathers, when you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes that are written in this Book of the Law, when you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Matthew 7:13
“Enter by the narrow gate. for the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

John 16:23-24
In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

1 Corinthians 10:31
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 11:25
Choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

Jeremiah 29:11
for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Romans 6:23
for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 10:10
for with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Galatians 5:13
for you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Ephesians 5:15-17
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. for the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

1 Kings 18:21
And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.

Luke 14:28
for which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?

Isaiah 64:8
But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Matthew 7:3-5
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.

Joel 3:14
Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Daniel 1:8
But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”

Matthew 5:21-26
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. ...

1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Proverbs 6:6-8
Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.

Proverbs 13:20
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Psalm 25:12
Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.

James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Luke 10:38-42
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Matthew 6:10
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

James 1:5-8
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. for that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Luke 14:28-30
for which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’

John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Psalm 37:7
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

John 3:16-17
“for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. for God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Proverbs 2:6
for the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Romans 3:23-25
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

John 16:13
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

Psalm 19:8
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Luke 14:26-27
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

Proverbs 2:6-8
for the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.

1 Corinthians 10:23
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.

John 3:27
John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.

Romans 8:7
for the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.

Ezekiel 18:20
The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.

James 1:14
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Proverbs 16:16
How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

2 Corinthians 5:7
for we walk by faith, not by sight.

1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

John 15:1
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.

Jeremiah 33:3
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

John 6:66-68
After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,

Psalm 127:3-5
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Psalm 19:7-9
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.

Ephesians 2:10
for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Daniel 3:15-18
Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Isaiah 7:15
He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.

Proverbs 4:5-9
Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”

Genesis 13:11
So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other.

1 John 5:14
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

Mark 9:39
But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me.

Proverbs 17:27-28
Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Pastor Tolulope ilori
3406 Carriage Walk Court, Laurel - 20724, Maryland USA
www.tolulopeilori.com

my son, hear the instruction of thy father, And forsake not the law of
thy mother: Proverbs 1:8




The Bible teaches that children have mandatory responsibilities to their parents. As a matter of fact, Children owe their parents certain important duties that include the obligation to respect honour and obey them. Children are the heritage of the Lord and God has a special interest in their well-being. Meanwhile God is a disciplinarian as revealed in Revelation 3:19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”

God has decided to commit the discipline of children to their parents as caretakers for Him; therefore, children must cooperate with their parents to make easy for their own benefit. Obedience in this respect attracts long life and prosperity.

If you invested so much in your children, but have retired and they are gainfully employed, yet they ignore you, will you be happy with them? Some fathers have placed curses on their children for neglecting them. A righteous child will not neglect his parents at any time. He will make sure that those of them that are not saved are led to Jesus. After all, that is the greatest gift he can give them. Besides that, he will ensure that they have a roof over their heads and their needs are met in the area of feeding, clothing, healthcare, etc.  God has joined children to their parents as partners in progress. for two people to work in agreement, they must see and mind the same thing. They must be focused on the same goal.

God’s focus is that children have parents that will be godly examples to them, while making efforts to bring them up in the way of the Lord. God wants parents that will introduce their children to Him at very tender ages, so that they may learn to obey God and become familiar with His commandments, worship and fellowship. Children should be careful not to be a source of sorrow and pain to their parents. Proverbs 17:25 says: “A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.”

I pray that God in His mercy will visit every Christian home and intervene in the life of every wayward child today in the Name of Jesus.

PRAYER
Father, please help me to always accept correction joyfully in Jesus' name.










by: Pastor E.A. Adeboye

LION OF JUDAH RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION

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Dear readers, this message I preach to you about The Unknown

Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Deuteronomy 31:8
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 10:9
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Matthew 25:41
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Isaiah 30:21
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.

Isaiah 14:12
“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!

Revelation 20:11
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.

Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

Revelation 12:9
And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Revelation 11:15
Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

1 John 4:8
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Peter 4:10
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Colossians 3:4
When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 2:16
Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.

Ephesians 2:8-9
for by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:2
In which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—

Ephesians 1:13
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Galatians 5:1
for freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 2:16
Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

2 Corinthians 4:4
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,

1 Corinthians 14:33
for God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

Romans 10:17
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Romans 8:26-27
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. for we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:23
for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 1:21-22
for although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools,

Romans 1:20
for his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Acts 16:31
And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Acts 16:30-31
Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Acts 10:46
for they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,

Acts 9:17
So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 2:41
So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John 8:32
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 3:13
No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the son of Man.

John 1:18
No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

Luke 22:19
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Luke 13:3
No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Mark 16:15-16
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Matthew 25:46
And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Matthew 24:22
And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.

Matthew 22:37-40
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 10:28
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 7:22-23
On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Matthew 4:10
Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! for it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”

Matthew 3:11
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Hosea 6:6
for I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Isaiah 55:8
for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

Psalm 14:1
To the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.

Pastor Tolulope ilori
3406 Carriage Walk Court, Laurel -20724, Maryland USA
www.tolulopeilori.com

2Samuel 16:23
Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

The story of Ahithophel is laden with lessons. He was a man who was so blessed with divine wisdom that whenever he gave an advice/counsel, it was said that it was as if God himself had spoken. And at such, it was only fitting that he would be king David's counselor.

Unfortunately when David was embattled and fled from his son Absalom, Ahithophel chose to decamp, becoming Absalom's counselor. A decision that seemed wise until David was informed and petitioned God against him.

2 Samuel 15:31
Then someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O Lord, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”

It is important to note that God did not take away Ahithophel's wisdom/counsel. However, even though his counsel was better than the advice/counsel of Hushai and would have given Absalom victory, Absalom and the people instead considered the counsel of Hushai to be better. It was the counsel of Hushai that would lead Absalom to his death because Hushai was David's mole.

2Samuel 17:14
So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” for the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring disaster on Absalom.

Finally, Ahithophel could not bear the shame of his counsel being rejected. He had become proud. He had exalted the gift of God over God himself. He had gotten accustomed to the praises of men. Ahithophel who was so mightily blessed and spoke as an oracle of God, ended up taking his own life.

2 Samuel 17:23
Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father’s tomb.

When the spirit of God was teaching me these lessons about Ahithophel, he made me to realize that there are many Ahithophels in our present age. I was one of them. Many who have encountered Jesus Christ, who have the gifts of God evidently working in their lives. But because they have chosen to "decamp" just like Ahithophel, because they are no longer seeking the kingdom of God but other kingdoms, their counsel/wisdom has been turned to foolishness.

If this message resonates with you, it is never too late to repent. God's love and mercy is still available for as many who will turn to him for help. I have been there. I was far gone, backslidden and thought I was beyond redemption. I do not know whose prayer was answered over me, but I got to the point where I was able to repent and seek God's help and like the prodigal son, he received me with open arms into His kingdom and family once again.

May God grant us His grace, mercy and love in Jesus name. Amen.

It is not possible to know my father and miss out two very important attributes. The one is the power and place of faith and the other is the abiding currency of integrity.

In Elder Peter Babatunde Akande’s home, no matter how late you sleep, the 5:30 am prayer bell is non-negotiable, and you dare not be absent. With 8 children and other relatives he raised, the morning devotion always had at least 12 people. The session begins with hymns, followed by the reading of

Psalms, and concludes with everyone kneeling for prayers.

This morning routine, filled with spiritual and mental enrichment, shaped my growth and development into adulthood."Akande"


Elder Peter Babatunde Akande
my father’s prayers were lengthy, focused more on gratitude than requests, often thanking God for even the unseen and overlooked blessings. A tireless prayer warrior, he firmly believed in the power of prayer. He instilled in us a deep faith in Jesus Christ, not just through his words but through his devoted and God-fearing life, which we, his children, have come to cherish and follow.

I have seen him demonstrate faith and
integrity. He is also a strict disciplinarian who held us accountable, but his love and care for the family were always evident, with the unwavering support of my late beloved mother.

I remember in 1981 when the Naira was more valuable than the dollar and my father easily coughed out $25k to send one of my two elderly brothers to an American university. I suspect that caused him not to buy the status symbol Mercedes Benz car at that time, rather keeping to his Peugeot 505. But thank God, my brother sent him the Benz some years later from abroad.

He loved education intensely and did everything to support all of us to go as far as we wanted and had the capacity.
for in terms of learning & schooling. I remember that he was so glad when I got admission to the University of Ibadan in 1986 after a couple JAMB attempts!

He has lived and continues to live a life of many accomplishments in his career as a business executive of major business firms in the country, such as Odutola Tyresoles where he became a senior Branch Manager and the Michelin, where he rose to become the National Marketing Manager next in line to the General Manager and CEO. He actually acted in that capacity at some point with the understanding that he would be the first Nigerian CEO of Michelin. But that is a story for another day.

He resigned from Michelin and proceeded to start his own tyre sales business in Ibadan where the family had been based although he had been moving from Onitsha to Kano and then Lagos in his business executive career especially in those two above-mentioned companies.

In the community, he was a church leader as the Patron of the Choir and the Boys Brigade at the C.A.C Itabale Olugbode and Oke Alafia parishes both in Ibadan. In fact, he was not just an ordained C.A.C elder he was also the Treasurer of the Olugbode Church, which is the founding parish & missionary headquarters of the CAC in Nigeria & Worldwide.

Baba PB has been a truly devoted man of God, who has served as an elder since the 70s when he was in his 40s. And because of his prudence, and forthrightness, church leaders kept him on the voluntary job of Treasurer all the way to his 90s.

And his faith has been tested several times. In fact, he could accurately say like Job did in Chapter 13:15 “though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.”

Baba lost his wife, my darling mother in 2003 on the eve of her 70th birthday. Then he lost his 4th daughter in 2014, and his 5th daughter in 2024-only few months ago. But his faith in God remains incredibly strong. I have seen the pain and the sorrow that he carried when these transitions occurred and even beyond, but there is an overcoming conviction that he has that God is faithful.

In 2015 when then Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, picked me as his Spokesperson, it was a year after his 4th daughter died-she is the one right ahead of me. When my wife shared the news of my appointment with my father, he said to her in shaken voice saying “I didn’t know I would still receive good news like this ever again!

That was both a reflection of the pain of his previous losses of loved ones, and at the same time gratitude for a cheerful development. When we eventually spoke about my job at the presidency then, he would say to me that God had told him that his children will get to the very top and that he was keenly grateful to see that come through!

I recall one of the family’s most trying times in 1997. my immediate elder sister married then Major Seun Fadipe in 1993 and when General Sani Abacha became head of State, General Oladipo Diya was the Chief of General Staff, the effective number 2 man in the then Federal Military Government.

When General Diya took office, my brother-in-law, Major Seun Fadipe, became his Chief Security Officer, similar to Major Al-Mustapha’s role with Abacha. Despite my position as a senior journalist and editor of Tribune on Saturday in 1997, Fadipe, being a never-say-die & disciplined officer, never shared any information with me, or offered leads for exclusive news reports. He was so tight-lipped!

But I worked closely with Dr. Olu Onagoruwa, the Attorney-General under Abacha’s regime, and a group of notable Nigerians to push for a Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution. We often held planning meetings at Onagoruwa’s country home in Odogbolu, away from Abuja where he served as AGF. The name of the group then was Network for Democracy with notable Ibadan based public intellectuals such as Uncle Yemi Farounbi who later served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Philippines and Prof. Olu Atinmo, then top UI professor.

But trouble started for the Akande family in December 1997 when on a Saturday news broke that a plane meant to take Diya from Abuja to Makurdi was found to have been laced with a bomb which exploded and eventually killed two security aides. But the lives of Gen. Diya, Major Fadipe and others billed to fly the plane were spared as this happened just before Diya arrived to board. As editor of a weekly newspaper, I published a cover story the following weekend with the headline WHO WANTS DIYA DEAD?

Bisi Abidoye who is still a leading journalist in Abuja was the writer of the story as the Tribune Bureau Chief. I am not even sure if Bisi was aware that his editor-myself was related to Diya’s CSO. In any case we did the story on its own merit.

No sooner after the story was published, a screaming headline on that Tribune on Saturday edition, the Federal Military Government alleged that actually Diya and 14 others had been planning a coup and they have since been arrested.

my father who had travelled to the United Kingdom to attend the Leeds University M.A International Studies graduation of my younger sister hurriedly cut his trip short and made for home. As soon as he landed, he declared a fast and commenced round the clock praying.

By that time details where still sketchy about what happened. But Major Fadipe, his son in law was already in custody and I remember that when they were brought before the Military Tribunal, he pleaded guilty!

my mother on hearing this just couldn’t understand and she kept asking in Yoruba “kini won ni Seun so? giliti?Translated this meant “what did they say Seun said, guilty? Her consternation was based on General Diya’s own statement that the coup was “a set up from the top.”

By April 1998, the Tribunal came to a guilty verdict on Diya, Fadipe and several
others, and a death sentence imposed! It seemed the worst feared thing had come!

But Baba PB continued in fasting and prayers from that December 1997 and continued all the way, breaking daily in the evenings until Abacha passed away and a tragic death of his son in law miraculously averted!

I have never seen a more appropriate illustration of that Christian witty saying “PUSH: pray Until Something Happens.”

So in conclusion, let me also say in the words of my sister, Evangelist Mofoluwaso Akande Ogunbiyi, in her tribute to Baba PB as he turned 94 last Saturday, “my Daddy is my Hero! GOD

bless you Dad, l love you & you know it! I am loving you forever, Baba mi! You have shown all of us the light and you have been the best dad anyone could ask for! May GOD bless your new age. Happy 94th Birthday.”

https://thedailyleaks.com/faith-and-integrity-as-baba-pb-turns-94-laolu-akande-pays-tribute-to-dad/

LION OF JUDAH RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION

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Dear readers, this message I preach to you about
Abba Father

Mark 14:36
And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Romans 8:15
for you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

Galatians 4:6
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

Galatians 4:4-6
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

1 Corinthians 8:6
Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

Romans 8:14-16
for all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. for you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

John 1:14
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Ephesians 1:5-6
He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

John 14:20
In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

Jeremiah 31:9
With weeping they shall come, and with pleas for mercy I will lead them back, I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble, for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.

John 17:11
And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

John 4:24
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

John 3:16
“for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 1:3
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Isaiah 9:6
for to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Romans 8:14-17
for all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. for you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

John 1:12
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

James 2:19
You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

Ephesians 1:5
He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

Galatians 4:5
To redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Galatians 4:4-7
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

2 Corinthians 4:4
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

John 1:18
No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

John 1:12-13
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Luke 11:11
What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent;

Proverbs 18:13
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Psalm 2:7
I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you.

Numbers 23:19
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

1 Timothy 2:5
for there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Romans 8:23
And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

John 10:30
I and the Father are one.”

John 3:3
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Luke 10:21
In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

Luke 9:48
And said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. for he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

Luke 9:18
Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”

Luke 3:23
Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,

Deuteronomy 4:24
for the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Exodus 20:3
“You shall have no other gods before me.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

John 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Luke 5:16
But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

Luke 4:1
And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness

Luke 3:21
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened,

Luke 3:14
Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”

Luke 2:40
And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

Luke 2:11
for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Mark 13:32
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the son, but only the Father.

Mark 2:8
And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts?

Mark 1:35
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit,

Matthew 26:39
And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Matthew 24:36
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the son, but the Father only.

Matthew 23:37
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!

Matthew 16:17
And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 10:20
for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Matthew 10:19
When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.

Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 7:11
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Matthew 6:32
for the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Matthew 6:14
for if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,

Matthew 6:6
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Matthew 5:45
So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.

Joel 2:27
You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame.

Hosea 11:1
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

Jeremiah 3:19
“‘I said, How I would set you among my sons, and give you a pleasant land, a heritage most beautiful of all nations. And I thought you would call me, my Father, and would not turn from following me.

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Isaiah 43:10
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.

Isaiah 42:14
for a long time I have held my peace; I have kept still and restrained myself; now I will cry out like a woman in labor; I will gasp and pant.

Isaiah 40:13
Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him his counsel?

Isaiah 11:2
And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Ecclesiastes 1:1-18
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises. ...

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 110:1
A Psalm of David. The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”

Psalm 90:2
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Psalm 89:26
He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’

Esther 2:15
When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king's eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her.

Deuteronomy 32:6
Do you thus repay the Lord, you foolish and senseless people? Is not he your father, who created you, who made you and established you?

Exodus 20:5
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,

Exodus 7:1
And the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet.

Exodus 4:22
Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son,

Genesis 32:30
So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “for I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.”

Genesis 31:42
If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been on my side, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God saw my affliction and the labor of my hands and rebuked you last night.”

Genesis 9:6
“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.

Genesis 6:3
Then the Lord said, “my Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.”

Genesis 2:24
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Genesis 2:17
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Genesis 2:7
Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Pastor Tolulope ilori
3406 Carriage Walk Court, Laurel - 20724, Maryland USA
www.tolulopeilori.com

TEXT:"And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land."- Genesis 34:1

Genesis 34 is an important chapter in the Old Testament Bible. It demonstrates the violence done to Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob by Shechem, and also the violence done by the children of Jacob to Hamor, Shechem and the whole community. This passage shows us that the desire for revenge isn't anything new, but has existed from ancient times.

Now, to refresh our memories, a man named Jacob returned to his homeland after about 20 years sojourn in Padan-aram. As he returned, he reconciled with his brother, Esau. That's what we read about in Genesis 33. However, Jacob again showed himself to be a deceiver by not following through on the promise he made to Esau about reuniting with him in the land of Seir and instead going to a place called Succoth and then to the city of Shechem. In addition, not only was this not where Jacob had told Esau he would go, it was not where Jacob had told God he would go either. Back when God visited Jacob in Genesis 28 while he was in Bethel, Jacob had committed to return to Bethel.

Yet, in Genesis 33, Jacob instead goes to Shechem in order to build an altar - perhaps because he thought he would be more prosperous there. However, the fact remains that by settling in Shechem, Jacob wasn't being fully obedient to God's will. Infact, he was being disobedient because that's what partial obedience is. So, when you think about it, everything that happens in Genesis 34 with the rape of Jacob's daughter, Dinah, and the massacre of the people of Shechem is actually Jacob's fault, to some degree. None of these terrible events of this chapter would have happened if Jacob had been obedient and gone to Bethel instead of going to Shechem. But, that's what happens when we disobey God. Disobedience often leads to disaster -as we see here in Genesis 34.

Meanwhile, in the narrative, Shechem appears to be desperate to have Dinah, but his father, Hamor, tries to be strategic in his request. Hamor attempts to convince Jacob not just to allow his son to marry Dinah, but to also start allowing intermarriage in general between Jacob's people and the people of Shechem. Hamor probably thought that would be economically advantageous. Jacob's sons demonstrate how the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Jacob himself was a pretty crafty guy, and his sons show themselves to be quite crafty as well.

"And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister: And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us: But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised;" (Genesis 34:13-15).

Incidentally, circumcision was something God has commanded of Jacob's grandfather Abraham, as a sign of the covenant He had to bless Abraham in some notable ways. And it was a sign that was to be applied to all of Abraham's male descendants - essentially marking them off as God's chosen people. Yet, here in these verses, Jacob's sons use this sacred and God-given sign for their own treacherous scheme.

Subsequently, Hamor and Shechem readily agree to the requirement. So, Shechem is immediately circumcised, and Hamor and Shechem successfully convince all the rest of the men in their city to be circumcised as well by promising them economic prosperity through the association with Jacob. And that turns out to be a very bad decision. In verses 25-29, Jacob's sons launched a surprise attack, destroy and plunder the whole city. The sons of Jacob were really consumed with a desire for revenge. Their desire for revenge had blinded them to such an extent that they were willing to wipe out who knows how many innocent people because of an offence committed by one man. Yet, as extreme as their response is, let's not allow ourselves to imagine that we also don't desire, quite often, to get revenge on those who wrong us. Hopefully, we've never massacred an entire city before, but we sometimes find ourselves trying to get even with people for the wrongs they've committed against us.

So, obviously, Simeon and Levi - who were the masterminds of this massacre never really thought ahead. They may have decisively eliminated all of the people who were a threat to them in Shechem, but they hadn't considered how the other Canaanite cities around them would respond. As a result, their rash actions had endangered their entire family. And that leads us to the main idea of this passage, which is that by taking revenge on the people of Shechem, Jacob's sons make their whole family a target for destruction.

Fortunately, for them, the Bible reads:

"And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob." (Genesis 35:5).

Certainly, if God hadn't intervened in the situation and given them that protection, there's a good chance that Jacob and his family would've been killed.

Likewise, let's not overlook the fact that when we try to get revenge on someone else, it often has a way of coming back to us. We often experience unintended consequences in our own lives as a result of the things we do against others. Not only that, the whole mentality of seeking revenge is often just a miserable mentality to have. We might feel momentary gratification as we're exacting revenge, but it doesn't make us truly happy. Instead, we are actually rather miserable.

So, the question is how can we overcome the desire for revenge we often have? We read in the book of Romans:

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19).

Indeed, God is the one who will make sure the scales of justice are balanced in the end. That's His job, not ours. So, whenever we seek revenge or try to get even with someone, we're actually, in effect, taking the place of God. We're usurping His authority and claiming for ourselves a prerogative that belongs to God alone. Instead, we should be rest assured that God will make good His promise to judge the wicked. Justice may presently be delayed, but it won't ultimately be denied. Nobody is ultimately getting away with anything. So, one way to deal with our desire for revenge: remember God's future judgement on the wicked. Then, another way is to remember God's mercy and forgiveness toward us.

Besides, the more we look at Jesus and what he has done for us, the more we see just how remarkable it is to, let go and let God. We read in the book of Peter:

"Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (1 Peter 2:23-24).

Interestingly, when people wrong Jesus, he didn't wrong them back. He didn't retaliate or seek revenge. Infact, according to Luke 23:34, he actually prayed for his enemies on the cross.

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots."

If this is the way Jesus treated those who wrong him, and if we're supposed to be like Jesus, how should we treat those who wrong us? By doing good to them. As Paul the Apostle says in Romans:

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21).

God calls us not only to do good to those who wrong us, but to do good as an overflow of genuine love in our hearts. As Christians, one of the most notable ways in which we can be distinct from the world is by following the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

"But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." (Luke 6:27-28).

Finally, I can't think of a greater way to get people's attention and desmontrate the power of God and grace in our lives than to love our enemies with the sacrificial love of Christ. Where else can you see that in society? Who else does that? Nobody! But, that's what Jesus expects us to do as his disciples. Shalom!

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Pastor K. C. Akano,
Love Kingdom Assembly (LKA),
Umudurunneke Umuorlu-Isu,
Nwangele LGA,
Imo State,
Nigeria.
07061582689

LION OF JUDAH RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION

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Dear readers, this message I preach to you about
Saints

Romans 1:7
To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 5:8
And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

1 Corinthians 1:2
To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

Ephesians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

Revelation 14:12
Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

Psalm 30:4
Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.

Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

Colossians 1:2
To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

Acts 9:13
But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.

1 Timothy 2:5
for there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Romans 8:27
And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

1 Corinthians 14:33
for God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Revelation 8:3-4
And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.

Acts 26:10
And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.

Jude 1:3
Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

Psalm 16:3
As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.

Revelation 13:7
Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation,

Revelation 8:3
And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne,

Acts 9:32
Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.

Revelation 11:18
The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”

Psalm 31:23
Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.

Psalm 37:28
for the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Ephesians 4:12
To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

John 17:20-23
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Ephesians 6:18
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Ephesians 2:19
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

Matthew 7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Philippians 4:21
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.

2 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:

Psalm 34:9
Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!

Romans 16:2
That you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

Matthew 27:52
The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised,

1 Thessalonians 3:13
So that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Ephesians 5:3
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.

James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Daniel 7:27
And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.’

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Proverbs 2:8
Guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.

John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

1 Samuel 2:9
“He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail.

1 Timothy 5:10
And having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Revelation 3:20-21
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

John 3:16-17
“for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. for God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Hebrews 6:10
for God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

Hebrews 7:25
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Revelation 19:10
Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Revelation 8:4
And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.

Colossians 1:12
Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Psalm 85:8
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.

Psalm 106:16
When men in the camp were jealous of Moses and Aaron, the holy one of the Lord,

Psalm 50:5
“Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”

1 Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Psalm 145:10
All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you!

Philippians 4:21-22
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.

Revelation 17:6
And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I marveled greatly.

Revelation 1:1
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Corinthians 12:27
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Romans 6:23
for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:16
“for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Hebrews 2:11
for he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,

2 Thessalonians 1:10
When he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

Matthew 6:7
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.

1 John 1:8
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Romans 12:13
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Matthew 27:52-53
The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

Matthew 6:9
pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Daniel 7:18
But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.’

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Ephesians 3:18
May have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

Romans 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

1 Timothy 2:1
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

Romans 8:26-27
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. for we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Ephesians 1:23
Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

2 Corinthians 13:9
for we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for.

1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

1 John 2:19
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

Hebrews 12:22-24
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Ephesians 4:4
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—

Romans 15:2
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

Zechariah 14:5
And you shall flee to the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.

Psalm 52:9
I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.

Romans 8:2
for the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Jeremiah 29:11
for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

1 Peter 1:15-16
But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

2 Corinthians 5:21
for our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

1 Corinthians 1:4
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus,

Leviticus 26:1
“You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God.

Revelation 22:16
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

Hebrews 12:2
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Pastor Tolulope ilori
3406 Carriage Walk Court, Laurel - 20724, Maryland , USA
www.tolulopeilori.com

TEXT:"And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked and behold, Esau came and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids."- Genesis 33:1

Have you ever been hurt by someone else, and wanted to hurt them back? Get even? Seek revenge? Retaliate? Even had murderous thoughts? Esau, the Old Testament character, had those feelings. And many will justify him acting on them. In this narrative, I shall explore the essence of Biblical reconciliation between Esau and Jacob.

The story of Esau and Jacob reads like a juicy novel. The brothers were born to Isaac, the son of Abraham. When Isaac is near death, he desires to give to Esau, the older of the two brothers, his blessings. Today, we bless things all the time, and it means approval or acceptance. But, in biblical times, a blessing was to grant another a place of honour and status. Usually, the blessing is given to the first born son. In this case, that is, Esau. Yet, as the story unfold, and at the scheming of his mother, Rebekah, Jacob, the younger son, tricks and deceives his father, Isaac, so that the blessing is given to him, whose name by way means "he deceives." Imagine the shock and horror that Esau feels when he learns of the deception.

Biblical reconciliation is the process of two previously alienated parties coming to peace with each other. God has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, we can reconcile with each other, no longer counting our offences against one another. The absence of reconciliation robs the church of the power of unity. From the story of Jacob and Esau we can learn some steps to Biblical reconciliation:

1) Reconciliation begins with God.

"And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him." (Genesis 32:1).

What did the angels say to Jacob? Would you have liked to be privy to that conversation? Whatever was said to Jacob motivated him to admit his wrong, and make amends with his brother, Esau. I believe God works in our lives the same way. When we seek to enter His presence, He reveals to us those relationships that are broken and prompts us to make them right. Do not seek God unless you want to make things right.

2) Reconciliation with one another comes before reconciliation with God (Matthew 5:23-24).

Those angels showed up for a reason. That reason, I believe, was to inform Jacob that before things can be right with God they have to be right with his brother. If you want reconciliation with God, you have to be reconciled with one another. You cannot live in harmony with your Heavenly Father until you're living in harmony with your brothers and sisters. Broken ties with one another not only sever relationship with one another; it also severs the relationship with God.

"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." (Matthew 5:23-24).

Notice, carefully what Jesus is saying. He is talking about coming to worship. And if you're offering a gift - money, praise, etc, and you remember somebody has ill will or hard feelings against you, go to that person and make it right, make amends, and seek reconciliation.

3) Reconciliation must be intentional. (Genesis 32:3-5).

Jacob knew that he had done wrong. Now he knew he had to make it right. He had to take the first step. Taking the initiative in reconciliation is imperative. Restoring a cracked relationship is like mending a broken arm. If your arm is broken, you take the initiative to get to a doctor so he can set it, put a cast on it; so healing can take place. Broken relationships, like broken arms, are never mended accidentally. They require purposeful and intentional actions. We may try to deny the pain or ignore the split. We may think that time heals all wounds, but it only moves the pain below the surface, where it will affect future relationships.

The relationship is easier to mend when the offender apologizes to the offended. But, what if the offender does not admit their wrongs? What then? The Bible informs us that even the offended is to take the initiative in seeking reconciliation.

"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother." (Matthew 18:15).

Notice the clause: "go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone". Too many of us are Bible -believing, but not Bible -practicing. This is one of the most overlooked and most avoided verse in the Scripture. Too often when someone has hurt us, we go to everyone else to plead our side of the story, to validate our feelings, to justify our anger, and we don't go to the person who has offended us. That needs to stop!

When we go that person, what do we say? Mathematics teaches us that "the shortest distance between two points is a straight line." The same principle is true in reconciling relationships. The shortest distance between two people is a straight line. A straight line like: "I was wrong", or "I haven't been honest with you", or "Your actions hurt me", or "I love you too much to allow our relationship to crumble." Instead of justifying who is right, and or, condemning who's wrong.

4) Reconciliation demands humility. On that morning after all these years, probably about 20 years later, Jacob and Esau met. Jacob, the Bible says, "... bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother." (Genesis 33:3).
That act is a posture of humility. Jacob humbled himself before his brother. He came with the right spirit and the right attitude. He acknowledged that he had done the wrong. He was the deceiver. He tricked his brother out of his blessing. He was at fault. Humility puts us in a position for reconciliation to occur. A price has to be paid for reconciliation, and that price is commonly called "Swallowing your pride", "Burying the hatchet", "Admitting you're wrong", etc.

Humility is a common theme throughout the Bible. It needs to be practiced. A failure to do so, not only allow fractured relationship to continue, but it puts us in opposition with God.

"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." (James 4:6).

5) Reconciliation requires vulnerability. At the face to face meeting,

"And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept." (Genesis 33:4).

The two brothers embraced, throwing their arms around each other. That act is a picture of vulnerability. To embrace someone is to expose your heart. And to expose your heart is to reveal your part in the damaged relationship. Here you reveal the hurt and the pain you caused. You admit that you were wrong. Whenever you expose your heart, you stand the chance of having your heart broken, again. People will let you down, trample your emotions. Crawling into a shell, living in isolation will be easier. There, safe from the hurt and pain of relationships, but you could shut out all of humanity.

6) Reconciliation nears completion in forgiveness. Jacob wanted to find favour in the eyes of Esau. He sought peace. He desires to put the past behind him. He opened his heart. He wanted most of all forgiveness. Esau embraced him. And, as they held each other, I'm sure Jacob said, "Please forgive me, my brother." Then Esau spoke those life-changing words, "my brother, I forgive you."

Forgiveness is not optional in reconciling a relationship. Forgiveness involves letting go so you can get on with the rest of your life. It is not probation, but a pardon. Forgiveness means that we do not require any money, words, or actions as payment. It means that there will be no continuing resentment or bitterness. We hope for the best for each other. Forgiveness is a long lasting healing, not a momentary one.

7) Reconciliation must be bathed in prayer. The reconciliation process is not a cake walk. It will often be messy. Hearts had been hardened. Feelings have been hurt. Emotions are on edge. Wounds are gaping. The offended when approached by the offender, may look for ulterior motive and may feel that the offender is disingenuous. The offended may be thinking "Why after all these years do you want to get together now? Why do you want to make things right now? God needs to soften the hearts, to ease the emotions, to heal the wounds, to bring understanding to the reconciling parties. No greater power is available for that to happen than prayer. Prayer changes us. Don't pray unless you want to change.

In this story, we catch a glimpse of God. Notice carefully what Jacob says to Esau:

"... Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me." (Genesis 33:10).

If you want to know what the face of God looks like, go to the brother or sister you have offended, ask for their forgiveness, then, hear them say, "You are forgiven." When forgiveness is extended to the brother or sister who has wounded us, we are like God.

Think about it. We have broken our relationship with God, time and time again. We sin. We hurt Him greatly with our disobedience and rebellion. God doesn't have to forgive us. In fact, He could just as easily hold a grudge and punish us to hell for eternity. Instead, like Esau, God comes to us through His son, Jesus Christ, embracing us, calling us brothers and sisters, and saying, "I forgive you. I don't hold your sin against you. I want to walk with you and be your friend.

Jacob acknowledges his wrong; he reconciles. Esau forgives. The once broken relationship is mended. And as God has forgiven you, you are to forgive those who have hurt you. As God has reconciled with you, you are to reconcile with others. Shalom!

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Pastor K. C. Akano,
Love Kingdom Assembly (LKA),
Umudurunneke Umuorlu-Isu,
Nwangele LGA,
Imo State,
Nigeria.
07061582689

LION OF JUDAH RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION

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Dear readers, this message I preach to you about
Jesus Christ

John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 3:16
“for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

1 Timothy 2:5
for there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Proverbs 8:35-36
for whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”

Acts 4:11-12
This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

John 11:35
Jesus wept.

John 1:14
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Hebrews 4:10
for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

John 8:58
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Colossians 2:9
for in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,

Hebrews 2:14
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

Revelation 17:14
They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

Philippians 2:8-11
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

John 20:28
Thomas answered him, “my Lord and my God!”

Ephesians 2:8-9
for by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

John 8:24
I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”

1 Corinthians 16:22
If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!

Romans 15:17
In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4
for I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

Micah 5:2
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

Isaiah 9:6
for to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Matthew 24:44
Therefore you also must be ready, for the son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Romans 10:9
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Hebrews 12:2
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Ephesians 5:2
And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Acts 4:12
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Hebrews 4:3
for we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest,’” although his works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

John 11:25
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

Matthew 16:15-16
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.”

Ephesians 2:10
for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Philippians 2:5
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Hebrews 4:15
for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Matthew 24:36
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the son, but the Father only.

Exodus 3:14
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

1 John 2:2
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

John 10:30-33
I and the Father are one.” The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”

John 3:17
for God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Philippians 3:20
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Corinthians 5:21
for our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

John 19:30
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

John 10:30
I and the Father are one.”

Revelation 22:13
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Titus 2:13
Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

1 John 4:9
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only son into the world, so that we might live through him.

Revelation 1:5
And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood

1 Corinthians 8:6
Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

Romans 6:23
for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 10:33
The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”

John 1:3
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Colossians 2:9-10
for in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Colossians 1:17
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:27
To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

1 John 2:1
my little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

1 Peter 3:18
for Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

Matthew 16:25
for whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

1 Thessalonians 4:14
for since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

John 3:16-17
“for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. for God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Matthew 4:17
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Matthew 25:13
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Matthew 2:11
And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Revelation 19:16
On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Hebrews 9:28
So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

John 17:5
And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

John 15:26
“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.

1 John 3:5
You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.

Hebrews 4:12
for the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Acts 1:11
And said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Philippians 2:5-7
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

1 John 3:16
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Hebrews 7:25
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Ephesians 2:6
And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

John 7:38
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

1 Timothy 2:1
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

John 4:24
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Luke 19:10
for the son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

1 John 5:10
Whoever believes in the son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his son.

John 5:18
This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

Hebrews 10:37
for, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay;

Pastor Tolulope ilori
3406 Carriage Walk Court, Laurel -20724, Maryland USA
www.tolulopeilori.com

Testimony is a declaration of what God has done in someone’s life. It serves as a witness to His grace, mercy, and power, encouraging others in their faith. In the Bible, testimonies are often shared to glorify God, spread His truth, and inspire others to trust Him.

Testimonies remind us that God's power and presence are real, working in the lives of His people both in biblical times and today.

Biblical Evidences of Testimony

The Bible repeatedly shows how testimonies can bring hope and salvation to others.

Below are some key verses on testimony:

Revelation 12:11 (KJV): “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
This verse highlights the power of testimony in spiritual warfare, showing that testimonies, along with the sacrifice of Christ, help believers overcome evil.

Psalm 66:16 (KJV): “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.”
The psalmist invites others to hear his testimony, illustrating the importance of sharing personal experiences of God’s work in our lives.

John 4:39 (KJV): “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.”
The testimony of the Samaritan woman led many to believe in Christ, showing how personal experiences with God can inspire faith in others.

1 John 5:10 (KJV): “He that believeth on the son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his son.”
This verse emphasizes that every believer carries a testimony within them, which is a reflection of their faith in Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 43:10-12 (KJV): “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.”
God calls His people to be His witnesses, to testify of His works and His unique authority as the one true God.

Real-Life Stories of Testimony

Testimonies in modern life reflect the same power and grace of God that we see in the Bible. Here are some compelling real-life stories of how God’s intervention has transformed lives:

Healing from Terminal Illness

Sarah, a mother of three, was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of cancer. Doctors gave her little hope, but her faith in God remained unshaken. She began attending a small prayer group in her church, where she and others prayed fervently for healing. Over time, as treatments progressed, doctors were astonished to find the cancer had stopped growing. Eventually, it disappeared entirely. Her healing was declared medically unexplainable. Sarah’s testimony not only deepened her faith but also inspired others in the church, showing them the power of prayer and divine healing.

Financial Breakthrough in Despair

John had been unemployed for nearly a year after his company shut down. With no job prospects and a family to feed, he began losing hope. Despite the circumstances, he continued to attend church services and pray for God’s provision. One day, after sharing his struggles with a small group during a service, he received an unexpected phone call. A former colleague had recommended him for a high-paying position in a company he had never applied to. He was hired within a week. John's testimony of how God provided for him when all seemed lost uplifted many in the congregation, reminding them that God opens doors no man can shut.

Freedom from Addiction

Peter had been battling alcohol addiction for over a decade. His marriage was falling apart, and he had lost several jobs because of his drinking. Desperate for change, he began attending a local church where he heard sermons about God’s power to break every chain. He reached out to the pastor, who began praying with him regularly. Slowly, Peter’s desire for alcohol diminished, and he found strength to resist temptation. Today, Peter is sober, reconciled with his family, and a leader in his church’s addiction recovery program. His testimony has inspired others struggling with addiction, showing that with God, freedom is possible.

Protection from a Deadly Accident

Amina, a new convert with a small congregation was on her way to work one morning when her car spun out of control during a rainstorm. She collided with another vehicle, and the impact was so severe that both cars were totaled. Witnesses expected the worst, but miraculously, Amina walked away from the crash with only minor scratches. Reflecting on the incident, she recalled praying for protection before leaving her house that morning and the previous day at church been Sunday. Her testimony of God's divine protection spread through her church and neighborhood, reminding everyone of God’s ever-present hand of safety.

In conclusion, testimonies hold incredible power, both in the Bible and in modern life. They remind us that God is always at work, providing healing, deliverance, provision, and protection. Sharing testimonies, as seen in scripture, strengthens faith, inspires others, and gives glory to God. In every believer’s life, there is a story to tell—one that reveals the goodness of God. Whether through healing, financial breakthroughs, or freedom from addiction, testimonies show that God's power is alive and active in the world today.

The mandates for us to share our testimonies as human being

In the Bible, believers are not only encouraged but often commanded to share their testimonies.

These personal accounts of God's intervention, healing, and provision serve to spread the gospel, uplift others, and glorify God. The following key scriptures show the importance of sharing testimonies and the biblical basis for doing so

Mark 5:19 (KJV)
“Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.”
After healing a man possessed by demons, Jesus commanded him to return to his people and share what God had done. This shows that testimonies are meant to be shared to inspire others about God’s compassion and power.

Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”
Known as the Great Commission, Jesus commands His disciples to spread the gospel to all nations. This mandate includes sharing personal testimonies of how Christ has transformed lives as a way to lead others to faith and obedience.

Psalm 107:2 (KJV)
“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.”
This verse instructs those who have been redeemed by God to declare it publicly. It emphasizes that those who have experienced God’s deliverance are obligated to testify of His goodness and salvation.

Acts 1:8 (KJV)
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Jesus promises His disciples the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to be witnesses of His works. Christians are called to testify of Christ’s resurrection and His saving power, starting in their local communities and extending to the ends of the earth.

1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”
This verse encourages believers to always be ready to explain their faith and the hope they have in Christ. Sharing one’s testimony is an essential part of explaining the impact of faith on a believer’s life.

2 Timothy 1:8 (KJV)
“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.”
Paul exhorts Timothy to not be ashamed of sharing the testimony of Christ, even if it leads to suffering. This shows that Christians are called to boldly testify about Christ and the gospel, even in the face of challenges.

Psalm 71:15-16 (KJV)
“my mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.”
The psalmist commits to proclaiming God’s righteousness and salvation continuously. This verse highlights the importance of consistently sharing testimonies of God’s work in our lives, giving all credit to His grace and power.

These scriptures make it clear that sharing testimonies is a vital part of the Christian life. Testimonies help spread the message of the gospel, encourage others in their faith, and give glory to God. Whether through healing, provision, or transformation, believers are mandated to testify about what God has done in their lives so that others may come to know His power and grace.


What do you think about testimony? If you believe in the power of testimony, share yours here

Happy Sunday to us all!

Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, on Saturday, urged Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, to forgive him of any past wrongs.

He publicly sought forgiveness during a goodwill message at the banquet celebrating Igbinedion’s 90th birthday in Benin.

Senator Oshiomhole who described Igbinedion as a good father, lauded the elder statesman’s contributions to society.

Seeking atonement, he said, “You brought together people from all parts of the country; North, South, East, and West and across political and religious divides.”

Acknowledging the support he received from Igbinedion during his political career, he said, “I want to publicly acknowledge your support for me in 2007 and 2008, without which I might never have become the governor of Edo State.

“As a Catholic, I want to confess that I might have done some things I shouldn’t have done as governor.

“At 90, it is only right that I ask for your forgiveness for any of my actions that may have irritated you.”

He continued, “I have always looked for one opportunity to say to the Esama of the universe that I am sorry for any of the things that I said knowingly or unknowingly or any of the things that I did that a son should never have done to a father.

“On your 90th birthday, I ask for your forgiveness, and I pray that you grant it.”

More…

https://dailypostngr.com/2024/09/forgive-my-actions-oshiomhole-appeals-to-igbinedion/

Former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomole has publicly sought forgiveness from Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, for any past wrongs during his time as governor.

Senator Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North senatorial district, made the heartfelt plea during his goodwill message at Igbinedion’s 90th birthday celebration held on Saturday, September 14, in Benin, the Edo State capital.

In his speech, Oshiomhole expressed gratitude for the support he received from Igbinedion during his governorship election, acknowledging that he would not have won the election without the elder statesman’s backing. His public apology is seen as a significant gesture in mending fences between the two prominent figures in Edo State politics.

He said “I have always looked for one opportunity to say to the Esama of the universe that I am sorry for any of the things that I said knowingly or unknowingly or any of the things that I did that a son should never have done to a father.

“On your 90th birthday, I ask for your forgiveness, and I pray that you grant it. I want to publicly acknowledge your support for me in 2007 and 2008, without which I might never have become the governor of Edo State.”

TEXT:"And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him."- Genesis 32:1

Angels are messengers, sent to protect and proclaim how people can enter the place of life they were meant to flourish within. They want human to trust and follow the one sending the message, to know how to live where heaven and earth overlap - where God and humans are in peace. According to the Bible, they are part of the world God created. They are sometimes referred to as the host of heaven.

"Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee." (Nehemiah 9:6).

Moreover, in the New Testament, Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, writes:

"for by him where all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in the earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:" (Colossians 1:16).

While these Scripture verses suggest that God created angels, the Bible also suggests that they do not exist, the way we humans do! Angels are spirits:

"But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:13-14).

Furthermore, when Jesus appears to his disciples, he asserts that spirits do not have bodies like he does:

"Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have." (Luke 24:39).

Angels are usually invisible to humans, unless God makes them visible. However, time and time again, angels took on a bodily form and appear to various people in the Bible:

"And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son." (Judges 13:3).

"And , lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." (Luke 2:9-10).

Meanwhile, there are four major types of angels:
The Angel of the Lord, the Cherubim, the Seraphim, and the Living Creatures.

The Angel of the Lord
There are several references to the Angel of the Lord in the Bible. Many argue that this angel is Jesus Christ himself acting in the Old. However, there is no merit to this argument because in Luke 2, when Jesus was born, the Angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds. It is very unlikely that Jesus who has just been born, will still be the the same angel of the Lord who appeared to the shepherds. (Luke 2:1-9). The Angel of the Lord, probably, is the overall head of the host of angels. He has a unique and a very important place throughout the Old and the New Testaments.

The Cherubim
When God drove Adam and Eve out of the garden of Eden. The Cherubim were placed at the entrance of the garden:

"So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." (Genesis 3:24).

God is enthroned above them (Ezekiel 10:1-22).

God rides in them.

"And he rode upon a Cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind." (Psalm 18:10).

Two golden figures of Cherubims sit above the Ark of the Covenant, where God promised to meet with Moses:

"And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two Cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel." (Exodus 25:22).

Seraphim
The Seraphim are only mentioned once in the Scripture: in Isaiah 6, they continually worship the Lord and say, "Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory."

The fourth type of angels are the Living Creatures. Ezekiel and Revelation speak of this type of angels. They are around the throne of God. (Ezekiel 1:5-14; Revelation 4:6-. They appear like a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle, representing various parts of God's creations (wild beasts, domesticated animals, human beings, and birds). They, too, worship God continually. Day and night they never cease to say, "... Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was and is, and is to come." (Revelation 4:.

Angels have a rank and order. The overall leader of the angels is the Angel of the Lord. In Jude 9, the angel Michael is called an "archangel angel"- a title that indicates rule or authority over other angels, but the Angel of the Lord is not included. He is also called "one of the chief princes" in Daniel 10:13, and appears to lead God's angelic army in Revelation 12.

Furthermore, Paul, also, tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, "for the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout , with the voice of the archangel,..." However, the Bible doesn't say if this refer to Michael, or if there are other archangel as well, probably there are others.

Moreover, only two angels are specifically named in the Bible: Michael (Jude 9, Revelation 12:7-8, and Daniel 10:13 and 21). Gabriel is the only other angel named. He is mentioned in Daniel 8:16 and 9:21 as a messenger who comes from God to speak to Daniel. He is also identified as God's messenger in Luke 1.

Incidentally, angels are not omnipresent. They frequently appear as messengers, traveling from one place to another. Unlike God, who is omnipresent, angels are finite creatures, limited to one place at a time. Moreso, the Bible doesn't tell us how many angels God created. But, apparently, there are multitudes of them: (Psalm 68:17; Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 5:11). Every scriptural reference to the total number of angels suggests that they are beyond counting.

Angels do not marry. Jesus taught that in the resurrection people "neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven." (Matthew 22:30; Luke 20:34-36). No other passages address relationship between angels, so anything beyond this is simply speculations.

Besides, angels are powerful. They are certainly greater in might and power than humans. (Psalm 103:20; Isaiah 37:36; Daniel 10:13). During our earthly lives, we are lower than the angels (Hebrews 2:7). But, as powerful as angels are, when Jesus returns, followers of Christ will be raised higher than them. (1 Corinthians 6:3).

Although, we do not know precisely when angels were created. But, Genesis 2:1 tells us that the angels were made at some point before the seventh day of creation: "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them." Host here refers to heavenly and earthly beings.

Angels are examples to us. They show us what perfect obedience looks like. Jesus teaches us to pray, "... Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10). In heaven, the will of God is done by angels, immediately, joyfully, and without questions. Their delight is to be God's humble servants, faithfully performing their assigned tasks, great or small. Our desire and prayer should be that we will do the same.

Angels also model worship. John sees around the throne of God a great number of angels praising God (Revelation 5:11-12). If the angels find it their highest joy to praise God continuously, shouldn't we, too?

Angels carry out some of God's plans. There are numerous ways in which angels carry out God's plans on earth: they frequently bring God's message to people. They carry out some of God's judgements: bringing a plague upon Israel, smiting the leaders of the Assyrian army, striking king Herod dead because he did not give God glory, pouring out bowls of God's wrath on the earth. They patrol the earth as God's representatives. They carry out war against demonic forces. They will proclaim the return of Jesus Christ.

Angels are not to be worshipped. Worship of angels was one of the false doctrine being taught at Colosse (Colossians 2:18). In the book of Revelation, an angel warns John not to worship him. (Revelation 19:10). We shouldn't pray to angels either. God is able to answer our prayers. If we were to pray to angels, it would implicitly give them a status equal to God.

Besides, the Bible gives us no warrant to seek the appearances of angels. They manifest themselves unsought. To seek such appearances would seem to indicate an unhealthy curiosity or desire for some kind of spectacular events rather than love for God and devotion to Him and His work. Though, angels did appear to people at various times in the Bible, the people apparently never sought those appearances. Our role is rather to talk to the Lord, who is in Himself the commander of all angelic forces. However, it would not seem wrong to ask God to fulfill His promise in Psalm 91:11 to send angels ro protect us in times of needs.

Finally, much of what we see or hear about angels is based on speculations, non-biblical sources, or just plain fantasy. The Bible has a lot say about them. Paul reminds us that our actions are carried out in the presence of angelic witnesses (1 Timothy 5:21). If Timothy follows God's instructions, angels will witness his obedience and glorify God. But, if he neglects to obey, angels will also see and be grieved. We will never know all there is to know about angels on this side of heaven. These heavenly beings are active, important servants of God. They are fighting spiritual warfare on our behalf, offering us comfort and hold a specific place in the story of the Bible. Shalom!

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Pastor K. C. Akano,
Love Kingdom Assembly (LKA),
Umudurunneke Umuorlu-Isu,
Nwangele LGA,
Imo State,
Nigeria.
07061582689

LION OF JUDAH RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION

Donation page
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Dear readers, this message I preach to you about
Entrance into God's Kingdom

John 3:16
“for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Colossians 3:4
When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

John 17:24
Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 5:20
for I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Revelation 3:21
The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

2 Peter 3:13
But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Acts 28:23
When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

Matthew 25:34
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Matthew 3:2
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Revelation 21:8
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

Revelation 7:9
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,

Revelation 2:27
And he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.

James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves

Ephesians 1:11
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

Ephesians 1:4
Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Galatians 5:21
Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

1 Corinthians 1:2
To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

Acts 1:6
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

John 18:36
Jesus answered, “my kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John 3:16-17
“for God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. for God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Luke 17:21
Nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”

Luke 11:28
But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

Mark 10:25
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 22:37
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Matthew 18:4
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3
And said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 6:9
pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Matthew 4:17
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Daniel 2:44
And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever,

Isaiah 42:5
Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:

Psalm 19:1
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Pastor Tolulope ilori
3406 Carriage Walk Court, Laurel - 20724, Maryland USA
www.tolulopeilori.com

ABUNDANT LIFE VISION
Jesus is Lord. Philippians 2:6-11
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. [7]Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, [8]he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. [9]Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, [10]that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11]and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. NLT.

Good morning dear friends, I welcome you to today’s teaching titled; “Jesus is Lord”. I pray that we will continue to grow and experience God the more in Jesus name. This teaching is to remind us and open the eyes of people to the fact that Jesus is Lord. I have taught on the meaning of Lord on two occasions. Let me make a recap, Lord has two broad meanings, the owner of things and the one in control over things. Psalms 24:1: The earth is the lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. NLT. 2 Corinthians 3:17: for the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. NLT. God owns the heavens and earth and He is in control over the affairs of things. It is important to note that God is not in control over everything. Let me explain better, God is everywhere, He is Omnipresent but He does not control everything done in everywhere because He has given freewill to man. Thus, if a gathering does not glorify God, He is there but He is not in control in that gathering.

On this note, Jesus is Lord is a declaration that Jesus is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and the one in control over the lives of those who serve Him. This is crucial because we live in a world where people say all sort of things about Jesus, people deny His divinity, they say He is not the son of God, He did not die nor resurrect and other stuff. But I am saying this today that He is everything the Bible says He is. He died for your sins and His resurrection has given you power over sin. Romans 6:6-7: We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. [7]for when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. NLT. Thus, whether you admit it or not on earth, He is Lord and all knees will bow before Him when He returns to judge the world.

Therefore, if you are reading this and you have not surrendered your life to Jesus, I urge you to do so by saying this prayer wholeheartedly; Lord Jesus, I confess you as my Lord and saviour today, please save me and be my lord and bring me into your fold. Amen. If you have recited the prayer wholeheartedly, I congratulate you and I welcome you to the family of God. Make sure you join a bible believing church as you start your journey in Christ.

God bless you.

John 3:16-17: for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 for God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

God does not want to condemn the world, He wants people saved. And people think they have to get right before God will love them, but that is not scriptural. Notice, 1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins. People don't really understand what Jesus has done for them. And He didn't wait for us to get right and do good before he did what he did. God spared not his own son, but delivered him up to pay for our sins (Rom. 8:32). Understand the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). So, what Jesus did was offer himself up to take our place and punishment for our sins. And God's punishment for our sins was put on Jesus. And in our own justice system we have something called double jeopardy and one aspect of it is once the punishment for a crime has been satisfied no other person can be punished for it. So, Jesus took upon himself the wrath of God for us. Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. And when you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior then what Jesus did is credited to you. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh. And He was manifest in the flesh to reconcile mankind back to himself. God is not looking to turn anyone away, it's not God's will that anyone perish, He wants all to be saved. God's will is to show mercy rather than judgement. Romans 8:15 for ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. When you receive Jesus then God becomes your Father.


It is not God's will that any should perish. And I wouldn't want to end this article without giving someone the opportunity to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It's very easy just pray: Dear God- I know I have sinned and I now turn from them and I invite Jesus to come into my heart (Revelation 3:20). He died for my sins and you have raised him from the dead and I now confess that Jesus is my Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9,10). I thank you for saving me, Amen

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12). 1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

From my experiences in life I have come to appreciate the fact that our society and the environment we grew up has a significant impact in our lives directly or indirectly.

I was born into a family of 5 guys no girl. It was really a rough experience growing up as a teenager in Eastern Nigeria. Though I had the privilege of being raised by both parents, yet their presence in my life never stopped me from the "wild" experiences I involved myself into. It's sketchy in my memories to say how all of my homosexual experiences began. I can only vividly remember in my early teens, I and some other persons where doing hide and seek in our public compound, I went to hide inside a condemned water tank with one guy and we were there handling and sucking each others manliness. I remember again how another guy who lives in the same compound with us will put adult movie for me, he taught me how to penetrate a girl which I experimented on several occasions with our housemaid and a relation of my mom's. I usually give feedback on my progress report to that guy. I also remember how two other guys who lives next compound will take me to an older man's house (name withheld), I will be asked to sit by his side as we all watched adult movies, the older man will end up touching me. This and many other experiences I had while growing.

The beastly desire aroused fully in me in my SS3 while preparing for my WAEC(high school final exams). I was more like "activated" on one faithful day as I was there with this childhood friend of mine, my mom makes clothes for his mum and I used to go to their house sometimes. But on this faithful day we were both reading in the library, we got pressed and decided to go convenience ourselves outside, in the process he looked at my manliness and affirmed that I was kind of big, which I mused about while at the same time having a little hard on by his observation. We went back inside to continue reading, after sometime he asked me to escort him to his house to get something, which was a walking distance from the school. I followed him. On getting there he opened the sitting room door, I went inside first, while still standing up and backing him, he held me from the back. I didn't know what he was up to but I struggled a little to gain my freedom, he was a little bigger than I am, though I am taller than him. While I was still trying to gain my freedom he reached down to my manliness. It was strange to me and I asked him to let go of me, which he told me to be quiet. I started having a hard on as he held me down there, I relaxed and he laid me on their couch and wa*ked me till I c*m. That was my first time of experiencing such as the earlier experiences never went to this extent. Though the feelings was out of this world but that singular act set me in motion in an endless life of slavery in sin and an insatiable desire for more of such experiences. I began to desire the act more from him which we did on uncountable number of times until he began to be withdrawn about this but I couldn't stop. I started having this admiration for guys and desiring for such "pleasurable experience" with others. There was this other guy I started seeing and messing up with, we did stuffs together, several times he tried to top me but the pain was unbearable and I couldn't withstand it, bottom line he never succeeded.

Two years after my secondary school I got employed as a public servant, which made me leave my parents in 2007 at the age of 20. Leaving them came with mixed feelings; joy and hurt of being the first amongst my siblings to leave home that early to go start a new life without the supervision and restrictions I had while with them. While I was still with my parents, my dad wouldn't want to see any girl come looking for me, he will always turn them back and even if he sees me with a girl on the road he will walk me back home. Those acts of his made me find solace in guys, even if we are keeping late nights in the compound, they are not disturbed as long it's not a girl, unknown to them other things were going on with those guys.

While living alone in Anambra state, I had opportunity I wanted to explore this world in the rainbow 🌈 community (LGBTQI). Through 2go and Badoo, for some of you that used these social app I was able to meet couple of guys as my admiration for them continue to increase and the urge to satisfy the cravings of my lower nature continue to increase. What a life of slavery/bondage in sin.

Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a SLAVE OF SIN. John 8:34

Amongst couple of guys I had met, one stood out. I met this guy online, I told him where I work which he and some of his friends came to meet me in the office. After seeing for the first time, we liked what we saw in each other and agreed to meet after work and he gave me the location which was a hotel. After work, I changed up and drove my motorbike to the place they were, they were having quite a nice time swimming in the pool, I only observed and never joined them. When they finished swimming, we went to their house. Though I was a little older than him, I had never experienced being in relation with anyone before; be it a lady or a guy, but he wanted us to be in a relationship which I obliged. I passed a night in their house and I was met with the e biggest shock of my life. for the first time I saw two guys having s*x and they were even unashamed of it even with my presence. my heart ❤️ was beating faster and he wanted me to have him as well that night. The thought of it alone was so repulsive as I had never experienced nor seen something like that before in real life. He was able to calm my nerves and assured me it's nothing that I can do it which I did for the first time that day and oh my goodness, the feelings was out of this world. He was so possessive of me and wanted me around him almost every time that the whole thing was unbecoming of him as I was finding the relation aspect of the alphabet community(LGBTQI) uncomfortable. He later died, though then we were no longer together and I didn't know till date what took his life.

I continued to meet uncountable number of guys and many of them which I find attractive to me I will get laid with, some unprotected some protected. A very wild and risky adventure. You loose touch of common sense if you are addicted to anything. Which was my case as I cared less of the consequences of such unprotected perverted sexual experiences. I enticed some guys who never had a foreknowledge of this into doing this act with me.

Homosexuality or any other form of sexual addiction is a stronghold that no man has the power to break free from, no matter how much one desires or seeks the freedom. I have sought for this freedom through so many ways; blocking my contacts, deleting social media apps that I used to meet these guys, giving my life to "Jesus "(though it was never a genuine surrender as though I desired to be free, some part me still cherished the pleasure of my sin and the benefit that I received from them, which explains while i was not truly free.) True freedom is not in any externalities or in any man. It is only Jesus Christ that sets free. It is written "Therefore if the son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36


I struggled accepting this as my identity especially after unsuccessful attempts to stop it and not seeing anyone who has been genuinely set free from it. Sometimes I accepted the lifestyle as who I was and even wished to marry a guy if I can find my way to the west where it is accepted as against Nigeria where it is a criminal offence. I had a boyfriend then from the Netherlands that I met onlin, we wished for some many things together and he "loved" me and really wanted to spend his life with me. A wish that never came through.

While working in my office on a particular day, I was downloading the passport application of one guy whom I have heard from someone that he knows what's up in alphabet community. I called him later after work and gave him his whole details over the phone since I was privileged to see it, he was curious to know who I was that knew about him so much. I met with him and later opened up to him how I knew him in such details. We started seeing each other and began having affair together back to back. He later graduated from school and left the state.

It has been a while since I saw the guy last, as usual I have continued my adventure with other guys. But on one faithful day in August 2012, I was down in health and didn't even go to work, I received a call from him that he was coming to collect his call up later from the university and will be passing the night in my house. The thought of his coming excited me as I began to envisage the "fun" we will have together. I welcomed him warmly on his arrival and we exchanged pleasantries. He was sounding religious though when he noticed I was ill and he told me if I knew who I am in God that I can't fall sick, I never made sense of what he was saying. Later that evening I made some advances on him which he turned down. I said to myself let me let him be till night as usual when we can have a fair share of each other. At night I began to touch him but he kept on resisting me and even told me he will leave the bed for me if I don't stop. I persevered but surprisingly to me he left the bed and lay on the rug. Knowing how we had been fond of each other, I couldn't believe my eyes neither could I comprehend what happened that he was able to resist me to my face. Truth be told I had never seen or heard of anyone who had been genuinely set free from this lifestyle, hence "our"(LGBTQI community) conclusion that this is who we are and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Sleep left my eyes throughout that night as I gazed at him sleeping on the rug. I wondered in thought on what could have possibly happend to him that he was able to resist me. I came to the conclusion that whatever he has experienced that I wish to experience same. I was unable to sleep the whole night. As it was about to dawn a new day, I had to wake him up and inquired what happened to him, that was when he began to preach to me that early hours of the day. I was so broken in tears and ready to receive whatever he has gotten too. After preaching to me he led me to Christ and prayed for the gift of the Holy Spirit on me. I knew that day that something tangible has taken place, that someone took hold of my life which is Jesus. He encouraged me to look for a bible believing church which I did, having come from a Catholic background.

I began to grow in God, living a life of prayer and study of God's word. I was amazed at how my life had been totally opposite of what God has said in His word. I even contacted a burden to start preaching to people.

Sincerely speaking it wasn't that easy learning to walk in the reality of this new life I had received as later there were moments of falling again into same sin and rising again. I even became so zealous of helping my friend in the alphabet community which did me more harm than good as I ended up been dragged into what I was trying to bring them out from. I never understood it's not in my power to bring anyone out of it neither had it dawn on me that I haven't been rooted enough in God to have gathered capacity to win such dimensions of soul that has been entrenched in LGBTQI.

One thing stood out after all, I was not falling from a defeated stand point but a victorious stand point.

"for a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again." Proverbs 24:16a.

I wasn't proud of the life I had lived because it's a life of guilt, torment, shame and bondage but thanks be to God who has made my deliverance, forgiveness, healing and restoration possible through Jesus Christ His son. I am not better or more righteous than Mandela who has died neither am I so smart than about 6 persons I have had to do something intimately in the past with who are HIV positive till today. I look back on these bumper journey and I can only say that Jesus is alive and only Him can save. Mercy preserved me all these years that I wasn't ruined in this whole years of perversion. I was into pornography(more of gay porn), masturbation, fornication, internet scam, gambling, smoking, drinking, lies etc. Though I was so addicted to porn and masturbation too but it was this alphabet community lifestyle (LGBTQI) that gave me much concern. Truth is there is no big or small sin. "All unrighteousness is sin" 1 John 5:17a. Thanks Jesus who has manifested to destroy the works of darkness and has made it possible to me to be free from these sins and the tendency to perpetually live in them. I live daily by the empowering of the indwelling Holy Spirit of God to resist temptation and and experience a victorious life over these sins.

my friend, what is going on in your heart as you read this amazing life transforming testimony? If only you can believe, and see the need of the saviour Jesus Christ in your life. He came to set the captives like you and I free. Can you hear Him knocking this hour at the door of your heart saying

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18

You are helpless without His help because sin is older than you, hence you can't over power or resist it by your strength. He wants to set you free but you need to make up your mind and return to Him in repentance. Refuse that identity you have accepted as an LGBTQI, he loves you so much and wants to step into that situation that has brought you so much guilt, struggle, shame, pains and endless torment. Don't be a slave to sin any longer, you are created to be a child of God, to be a carrier of the Image and likeness of His son Jesus Christ. He does not wish you to be destroyed in your sins for He does not derive pleasure in the death of a sinner. Come with you loads of sin, shame and dirts, he will unburden you and cleanse you.

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Mathew 11:28

Do you believe He came, died and rose again on the third day to make your forgiveness, deliverance, healing and restoration possible? Don't harden your heart or let unbelief rob you off of these realities.

again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “TODAY,” after such a long time, as it has been said: “TODAY, IF YOU WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.” Hebrews 4:7.

No matter how dead you are in your sins the Spirit of God can bring you back to life and grant you access to ETERNAL LIFE of God, it's your inheritance. He wants to give you a new begining but you need to come to the end of yourself and genuinely seek for forgiveness and be willing to forsake your old sinful ways.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If He could do it for me and several others with a genuine testimony of a life transforming deliverance, He can do it for you. Just trust Him with you life and see the salvation of the Lord in the land of the living.

Your body is created to be Gods temple, where God lives and not a tool of sexual immorality of any kind or house of perverting demons and unclean spirits. Jesus wants to take residence in you by His eternal Spirit. Will you let Him? He can only knock at the door of your heart hoping that you will hear and open up to Him.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. IF ANYONE HEARS my voice and opens the door, I will COME IN to him and dine with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20

I pray that you will allow God step into your life and do the impossible because all things are possible to them that believe.

God bless you.

Breaking Free from Loneliness: Harnessing the Power of Silence to Find Inner Strength"

In my upcoming ebook, I discussed on the power of silence and how to use it to key into inner strength when you feel lonely or you are facing either rejection in your family or Marriage

Like i shared in my previous posts, loneliness if not broken can lead to mental breakdowns and eventual depression and in the end suicide or loss of life and this is the essence why I am teaching this and emphasizing it

I taught you last on how to deal with Loneliness and Depression in marriage using my experiences and today I want to teach you on how to harness the power of silence to break free from loneliness and find inner strength to key to your happiness irrespective of what may be going on.

I use the power of silence a lot as it clears my mind and helps me to connect to my divine self to connect to God to hear God and to be able to maximize my mental prowess to achieve my dreams

Then I found this in the bible where God says, 'Be still and know that I am the Lord '
And here God told Moses to move forward and the red sea parted for them

Again, we see this in Psalms 46:10
'Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth'.

Again, Amos 5:13
'Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.'

This Amos 5:13 gave me a great deliverance this year July against my extended family who conspired with their evil tenants to kill me and I connected it with this in Micah 2:1-3

The comparison with Amos 5:3 was the common phrase 'evil time'

When the righteous rights are taken from them, the bible says that such times are evil and Amos said, those who are prudent (wise, understanding of the times and seasons that they live in) must be SILENT and until you are still, quiet, you won't see the salvation of the Lord

Keeping quiet is not a weakness, in contrast it is power and you will need to harness that power to take over your circumstances and rule it by and through your silence

A silent person is a dangerous Person because you don't know what they want to do or have in store

When you are quiet in the midst of your circumstances, you must seize the quietness your loneliness offers, you must not waste it

Silence helps you think through issues, gives you the opportunity to make concrete positive and precise decisions, that you won't regret, why? Because you took your time to assess the situation on ground

It helps you to research for solutions and to see another angle that you can tackle the issue in front of you

Silence helps you to gather your thoughts and arrange them to find inner peace and strength.

I use my silence to connect to God in prayer and most importantly, feed on His word and then use the rhema given that speaks to my situation

This is where I gather my inner peace and quietness

It gives inner rest and I am able to Focus

One thing I usually also do is to pray for God to empower my silence, turn my silence into 🔥 and oh the results it gave and still gives

In ending this, I am going to be sharing with you a profound teaching that the Holy Spirit taught me on the power of silence that made me appreciate my loneliness the more, because I won't get that Chance again in my entire life!

You get to have your time to yourself since no one wants you. You need to want your own company yourself and concentrate on making you better

In Psalms 19:1-3, it says

[1](To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.) The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

[2]Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

[3]There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

Now, note the words, they utter speech

The heavens: sun, moon and the stars are alone but they still shine, they are silent but they still speak

Let that sink for a moment. The heavens are all alone in their own world and yet they still speak, they still shine, even though they never uttered a word

Yet in the morning, when the sun shines in your room, it speaks to you in its silence, 'wakey, wakey, it is morning time'

Then you jump up from your 🛏️, 'oh my goodness, it is morning '

You heard the voice of that sun, even though it never physically speaks

Then I realized that my silence is power, even as I write, am using silence with prayers to deal with my community who sent assassins to me in July and right now, are dying

Oh yes, you heard that right and all I do is to be silent and just pray and worship

You have no idea how powerful you are when you use the silence in your solitude

Now you know what to do.

Seize and harness the silence in your solitude and you will achieve more than you could ever think and shine

I am here in my solitude, teaching you, reaching out to you too, to live and live life to the full.

Don't attach your happiness to things, to your family, your kids etc, no, attach your happiness to God and God only and He will make you happy in spite of them all and still helps you to sustain them

No body is perfect, not even you but with God, it is different. Only Him alone is perfect and makes my ways perfect

This was my power in my marriage too: silence and I keep doing what am doing and achieving my dreams

Definitely, he didn't know anything anymore, so I was able to do a lot of things that he knew nothing about, so thinking I had nothing else to offer, he left

Well, it was then, I could execute all those things I had aligned down and got them done because I knew I won't have that time to myself any longer

God is restoring things for me and He is bringing my kids back to me and bringing His son my way to whom I was suppose to marry if I had not chosen for myself

Never ever choose for yourself in marriage, believe me, I learned in a hard way, but I thank God for grace

Words have effects on you in accordance with what they say, The Bible shows us this. Even names have effects of people, look at Jacob for instance his name means supplanter or one who takes the place of another and what did he do, he ended up deceiving his father as if he was his brother. Notice, he exhibited the characteristic of his name. And you see in 1 Samuel 25 there was a man named Nabal, while David was on the run both he and his men watched over his servants and herds so David sent some men to go ask him for some food. But, when they did he treated them roughly so they went back and told David what he had said so David told his men to get their swords because he was going to kill Nabal and all his servants. But, when Nabal's wife heard what he had done she hurried and loaded some asses with food and took it to David. Notice, what she told David in 1 Samuel 25:25 Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is so is he. Nabal means foolish, that is a principle he exhibited the characteristic of his name. Look at the instance of Abram and Saria, God promised him that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars, but his body was dead and her womb was dead. So, what did God do changed their names from Abram-high father to Abraham-father of a multitude and from Saria-my princess to Sarah-princess of nations and they became as their names. Most known the angel told Mary what her son's name was to be, Jesus which means savior/deliverer and he lived out his name. Notice, all of their names had meaning and they became as the meaning of their names.

In Romans 12:14 it says, Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. So, you are capable of blessing and cursing and you do them by your words. In James 3:10 it says, Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. my bretheren, these things ought not so to be. Blessing and cursing has effects on you and others, in Genesis 24:60 it says they blessed Rebekah saying, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those that hate them. Did those words come to pass, yes. Deuteronomy 1:10 The Lord your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. You see in 1 Samuel 2:20,21 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The Lord give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the Lord. And they went unto their own home. 21 And the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the Lord. Did those words have any kind of effect on them, yes. Someone might be thinking that was Eli, a priest, but Revelation 1:6 says that Jesus Christ has made us both kings and priests. Your words even have the effect of healing on your body. Proverbs 12:18 says, But the tongue (words) of the wise is health (medicine, remedy, healing, cure). And Proverbs 16:24 says, Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Now, understand that's when your words are in line with God's word because it's his words that are life and health to all your flesh as it says in Proverbs 4:20-22 my son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 for they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. So, your words have to be in line with God's word. When I lined my words with God's words my words were health to my flesh and I received my healing. One of the main reasons words have effects is what Jesus taught in Mark 4 and that is that words are seeds. Jesus even said that the words you plant in your heart there will be a manifestation of them. In Mark 4:22 Jesus said, for there is nothing hid(to conceal by covering) that shall not be manifested(visible). Jesus well understood that because he himself was as John 1:14 calls him the word made flesh. Jesus was a living, breathing manifestation of the word. Proverbs 18:21 says, Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Fruit is the product of seeds sown, so your words produce fruit. Words have effects on you.

When you say expect to see. Why does a farmer sow a seed, why does a person plant a garden, because they expect to see, to have something in the future. By putting a seed in the ground they expect to have the thing in the future. That's the kingdom of God when I say something I sow something Mark 4:26-28. They know there's a system in place that if I put this seed in the ground and attend to it I will have the thing in the future. There's no argument about it, there's no debate about it they know that system works and it's settled. But, some people don't consider words are seeds, but the scripture says words are seed, The sower soweth the word (Mark 4:14). Expect to see what you said in the future. But, you have to hold fast to your confession of faith. Hebrews 10:23, Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised. That word profession is the same word confession which means to say the same thing. Because, a seed needs to be more than just planted it also needs to be watered. 1 Corinthians 3:6,7 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. The only reason to sow something is to see something, have something in the future. In the natural people believe so much in that system they will go out and water the ground without seeing anything in anticipation of seeing something in the future. It's just as sure if not more sure in the spiritual, because God's word is always good. 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. God's word is incorruptible seed meaning it is always good. Make sure your heart is good ground, And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred (Mark 4:20). Sometimes people think God is all powerful, but have no confidence in his word. But, God and his word are one (John 1:1). So, when I say/sow God's word I expect to see it and so should you.



It is not God's will that any should perish. And I wouldn't want to end this article without giving someone the opportunity to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It's very easy just pray: Dear God- I know I have sinned and I now turn from them and I invite Jesus to come into my heart (Revelation 3:20). He died for my sins and you have raised him from the dead and I now confess that Jesus is my Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9,10). I thank you for saving me, Amen

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12). 1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.